title: Value of systematic post mortem radiographic examinations of fetuses--400 cases.
abstract: A retrospective study of 400 cases of fetal deaths has been carried out to assess the value of systematic post mortem radiological examination. Apart from general diagnosis purpose, special attention was given to the assessment of bone age and mineralization. The results were correlated with the clinical, U.S., chromosomal and pathological data. Computerized analysis of our information show the following results: (1) The radiological examination was valuable for the final diagnosis in 13.5% of cases. (2) It brings additional information in 34.5% of cases. (3) It had no diagnostic value in 52%. Furthermore, several points deserve attention such as apparition of teeth (21 weeks), calcaneum (24 weeks). Major osteoporosis was always associated with a constitutional bone disease or an infectious process. An excessive length of the upper limbs (12) was seen in 11 cases of anencephaly. We suggest that a radiological examination should not be routinely performed, when the diagnosis is otherwise obvious, but should be considered in the presence of dwarfism, or other limb abnormalities and when the gestational age is uncertain. The films provide essential information especially for further genetic counselling. Systematic post mortem radiographic examinations are performed in all naturally aborted fetuses over 11 weeks of gestation in our institution. A retrospective study of the last 400 cases was designed in order to assess the value of this examination, with regard to overall diagnosis and assessment of bone maturation and mineralisation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Hôpital Saint Vincent de Paul, Paris, France.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kalifa
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Barbet
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Labbe
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Houette
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sellier
mesh_terms: D001848:Bone Diseases, Developmental / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005121:Extremities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D017880:Limb Deformities, Congenital; D008297:Male; D008903:Minerals / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D008903:Minerals