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World J Radiol. Oct 28, 2013; 5(10): 356-371
Published online Oct 28, 2013. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v5.i10.356
Published online Oct 28, 2013. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v5.i10.356
Sonographic markers for early diagnosis of fetal malformations
Maria Daniela Renna, Paola Pisani, Francesco Conversano, Ernesto Casciaro, Marco Di Paola, Sergio Casciaro, National Council of Research, Institute of Clinical Physiology, c/o Campus Universitario Ecotekne, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Emanuele Perrone, Gian Carlo Di Renzo, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Perugia, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, San Sisto-06132 Perugia, Italy
Antonio Perrone, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, “Vito Fazzi” Hospital, Piazza Filippo Muratore, 1-73100 Lecce, Italy
Author contributions: All the authors were involved in designing the study and writing the manuscript.
Supported by FESR P.O. Apulia Region 2007-2013-Action 1.2.4 (grant number 3Q5AX31) and the National Council of Research Project AMOLAB
Correspondence to: Sergio Casciaro, PhD, Eng, National Council of Research (IFC-CNR), Institute of Clinical Physiology, c/o Campus Universitario Ecotekne, via per Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy. sergio.casciaro@cnr.it
Telephone: +39-08-32422310 Fax: +39-08-320422341
Received: June 28, 2013
Revised: September 10, 2013
Accepted: September 18, 2013
Published online: October 28, 2013
Processing time: 124 Days and 21.4 Hours
Revised: September 10, 2013
Accepted: September 18, 2013
Published online: October 28, 2013
Processing time: 124 Days and 21.4 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: The aim of this paper is to review sonographic markers associated with the most frequent fetal abnormalities (chromosomal anomalies, cardiac defects, skeletal dysplasia) and their sensitivity in prenatal diagnosis. Fetal malformations are very frequent in industrialized countries and the only effective approach for prenatal screening is currently represented by an ultrasound scan. Early detection of abnormalities can optimize pregnancy management and childbirth timing, give the possibility of performing simpler procedures for termination of pregnancy in those patients in whom findings are abnormal, and plan therapeutic treatment of objectively selected diseased fetuses.