title: Meningomyelocele: early detection using 3-dimensional ultrasound imaging in the family medicine center.
abstract: A young primigravida presented to the family medicine clinic 7 weeks pregnant. Standard 2-dimensional ultrasound at 9 weeks revealed a grossly abnormal posterior brain and 2 adjacent sonolucent structures: 2 yolk sacs versus a yolk sac and cyst. Imaging by 3-dimensional ultrasound distinguished these structures, revealing a caudal cyst with continuity of fetal tissue consistent with a meningomyelocele. To date there is no documentation in the literature of a meningomyelocele diagnosed during the first trimester of pregnancy. Identification of neural tube defects early in pregnancy offers increased options to the mother and may impact long-term fetal prognosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. cforest@usc.edu
authors.forename: Christopher P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Forest
authors.forename: Darenie
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Goodman
authors.forename: Ricardo G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Hahn
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D055815:Young Adult