title: Early detection of structural anomalies and markers of chromosomal aberrations by transvaginal ultrasonography.
abstract: Transvaginal ultrasonography is emerging as the newest method for the early detection of structural malformations and markers of chromosomal aberrations. According to a multicenter registry on the onset of fetal anomalies, many defects are potentially detectable at an early transvaginal scan. Moreover, cystic hygroma and other nuchal signs thought to indicate a very significant risk for a genetic problem detected during the first trimester may resolve and not be detected at the later abdominal scan. Current research presented in this review indicates a possible transition from an abdominal scan at 18-22 weeks to two scans: an early transvaginal scan at 12-14 weeks for the detection of gross congenital anomalies and markers of chromosomal aberrations, and then an abdominal scan at 22 weeks for cardiac and other anomalies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rottem
mesh_terms: D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D025063:Chromosome Disorders; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal