[The value of early morphologic ultrasonography for the detection of chromosome anomalies].
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the benefit, in terms of improved antenatal screening, in particular for 21-trisomy, to be expected from the introduction of routine vaginal morphologic echography during the first trimester of pregnancy. This work was conducted by the Department of Gynaecology-Obstetrics of the French Red Cross Teaching Hospital in Bois-Guillaume, France.


METHODS
Over a 20 month period, 307 consultating women underwent routine endovaginal echography between the 10th and 13th week of amenorrhoea. The exploration was proposed to detect small retrocervical hydromas as a signal for further cytogenetic tests.


RESULTS
Five hygromas were discovered and led to the diagnosis of 4 cases of 21-trisomy, the fifth pregnancy ended with spontaneous abortion. The 12th week appeared as the most favourable time for routine examination.


CONCLUSIONS
This non-invasive method, routinely performed in all women, improves the yield of screening for 21-trisomy and allows a better means of indicating cytogenetic tests.
Petitcolas
J
J
Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital de la Croix Rouge Française, Bois-Guillaume.
Couvreur
A
A
Leboullenger
P
P
Rossi
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000649:Amniocentesis; D002882:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 13; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006554:Hernia, Umbilical / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D018191:Lymphangioma, Cystic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D014314:Trisomy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
Intérêt de l'échographie morphologique précoce pour la détection des anomalies chromosomiques.