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

Sonography in cervical insufficiency:

This ultrasound image of gravid uterus shows the cervix measuring 1.1 cms. in length (shortening) with dilatation (3mm.) of the internal os. The image was taken using the transvaginal route, using a Toshiba Xario ultrasound system. Dilatation with effacement of the cervix are diagnostic of cervical insufficiency. The management in this case would mean cervical cerclage.
See: Clinical aspects of cervical insufficiency (free article)
Image courtesy of Dr. Gunjan Puri, India.

From the virtual 3D image to real life size models of the fetus

Just saw this interesting link: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1195703/The-stunning-new-technology-allows-parents-hold-life-size-model-unborn-child.html
It seems a PhD student Jorge Lopes has found a method to create 3D life size plaster models of the fetus as seen on 3D Ultrasound and MRI imaging. The replicas can help the mother identify and bond more intensely with the baby in the womb. Maybe, in the not too distant future, we may see Obstetricians and radiologists prepare plaster models, as easily as thermal print images of the fetus!!

An aften ignored setting during sonography:

One of the most prominent settings control on any ultrasound machine is the gain knob. Yet, this happens to be one of the most unused. This knob in conjunction with the TGC or Depth gain is very useful. A good example is the female child. Here, transabdominal ultrasound to image the ovaries and small uterus can be a real pain. But lower the gain or Depth gain, and you should be able to see the ovaries, even if very small. It works in most cases.


Observe the images of the thyroid here:
With high gain settings, the margins of the thyroid and fine detail are lost. With too low gain, most of the thyroid becomes poorly visible. Optimal gain settings show both internal and marginal details. Another observation: when Color Doppler imaging is switched on, the overall gain goes down.. the gain has to be increased to compensate for this.

Sonography of fetal kidneys with Autosomal recessive Polycystic kidney disease

This fetal kidney shows typical features of ARPKD (autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease) also called infantile polycystic kidney disease. This congenital disease of the kidney can be present from as early as fetal stage and may be detected as late as in childhood.
The fetal kidneys in this case show minute cysts with grossly hyperechoic kidneys.
Read more at: http://www.ultrasound-images.com/fetal-urogenital.htm