title: Radiography in post-mortem examinations of fetuses and neonates. Findings on plain films and at arteriography.
abstract: During the last decade there has been an increasing interest in radiological investigation of stillborns and neonates as a supplement to autopsy. A consecutive series of 137 fetuses and neonates is presented. Prior to autopsy plain X-ray films were taken, and in 50% arteriography was performed by injecting contrast medium into an umbilical or femoral artery. On the plain films only 41% were normal. The major part of the abnormal radiographs exhibited minor abnormalities such as transverse lines or "stress-lines" of the bones, cercival ribs or an abnormal numbers of ribs. Major abnormalities were seen in 9%. Most of these were abnormalities of the spine. The arteriographs were very detailed and were abnormal in 29% of the cases. The technique was not suitable for demonstration of heart malformations. It is concluded that plain film X-ray of soft tissues and bones is recommendable as a routine procedure, whereas arteriography should be limited to cases suspected of vascular malformations or if an autopsy cannot be performed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Grønvall
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Graem
mesh_terms: D000792:Angiography; D001344:Autopsy; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000002:abnormalities; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000002:abnormalities; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D005333:Fetus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy