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Fetal breasts in normal and Down syndrome fetuses
B M Petrikovsky1, E P Schneider, V R Klein
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North Shore University Hospital, Cornell University Medical College, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA.
Journal of Clinical Ultrasound : JCU
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Fetal breast size measurement via ultrasound may help identify Down syndrome. Fetuses with Down syndrome showed significantly smaller breast size compared to normal fetuses.
Area of Science:
- Prenatal diagnosis
- Medical imaging
- Genetics
Background:
- Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is a genetic disorder.
- Accurate prenatal diagnosis is crucial for management.
- Identifying reliable sonographic markers aids in early detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate fetal breast size as a sonographic marker for Down syndrome.
- To determine the validity of measuring fetal breast dimensions in prenatal screening.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasound measurements of fetal breast size were performed.
- The study included 26 fetuses with trisomy 21 and 78 chromosomally normal fetuses.
- Measurements were taken in the cross-sectional plane of the fetal chest at the four-chamber heart view level.
Main Results:
- Normal fetuses exhibited a mean breast size of 3.8 mm +/- 1.1 mm.
- Fetuses with Down syndrome had a significantly smaller mean breast size of 1.9 mm +/- 0.7 mm (p < 0.0001).
- A statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- Diminished fetal breast size detected by ultrasound in the second trimester may serve as a useful marker for Down syndrome.
- This sonographic finding could contribute to improved prenatal identification of fetuses with Down syndrome.
- Further research can validate this marker in larger cohorts.