Placental calcification

Calcification of placenta is a sign of normal degenerative changes taking place in the placenta. This usually happens in the 3rd trimester and is usually of little or no clinical significance. However, if seen earlier (2nd trimster) it might signify placental aging and abnormal degenerative changes. In the ultrasound video attached, there is extensive calcium deposition of the placenta on the maternal surface, (or basal part). Such calcific changes of the placenta do not indicate any placental pathology. See: sonography of placenta for more images and cases.

Hydrocephalus in fetus: aqueductal stenosis:

Hydrocephalus is a common disease during intrauterine life. Almost 20 % of fetal hydrocephalus is caused by aqueductal stenosis. In the ultrasound image and sonographic video of the fetal head, above, the lateral ventricles and the upper part of the aqueduct of Sylvius (or cerebral aqueduct) are markedly dilated. The 4th ventricle does not appear to be enlarged suggesting obstruction to CSF flow at the level of the cerebral aqueduct. This is called aqueductal stenosis. Other causes of hydrocephalus include Dandy Walker malformation. Ultrasound image and video of aqueductal stenosis are courtesy of Dr. Martin Horenstein, Argentina.

For more such images of fetal brain see: http://www.ultrasound-images.com/fetal-brain.htm