title: Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of hemivertebra.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe our experience in prenatal diagnosis of hemivertebra.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a case series of patients referred to our tertiary medical center over a 3-year period. All fetuses were scanned by high-resolution real-time scanners. The apparent vertebral anomaly was assessed in a real-time manner by a joint team of obstetricians, sonographers, and pediatric orthopedic surgeons. A complete anomaly survey of other fetal organs was performed on each fetus. All patients were given proper counseling by the same joint team. All patients had detailed obstetric and neonatal follow-up. Prenatal sonograms, neonatal medical records, and clinical courses were evaluated retrospectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the 3 years, 6 cases of hemivertebra were identified in our department. Gestational age at diagnosis was 14 to 23 weeks. Two patients had conception by assisted reproductive technology. Associated anomalies included VATER syndrome (vertebral defects, imperforate anus, tracheoesophageal fistula, and radial and renal dysplasia), gastroschisis, and pyelectasis. Outcomes in fetuses without major associated anomalies were fair.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Diagnosis of isolated hemivertebra might be associated with a favorable outcome. The 3 key factors in achieving an optimal spine at maturity, early diagnosis, anticipation, and prevention of deterioration, might be enhanced by our joint multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis of skeletal anomalies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
authors.forename: Boaz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Weisz
authors.forename: Reuwen
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Achiron
authors.forename: Amos
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schindler
authors.forename: Vered H
authors.initials: VH
authors.lastname: Eisenberg
authors.forename: Shlomo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lipitz
authors.forename: Yaron
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zalel
mesh_terms: D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D013131:Spine / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal