The July issue contains an Editorial on three-dimensional imaging of the fetal skull and face, two Systematic Reviews, a secondary analysis of the TRUFFLE study and a Picture of the Month article describing a novel technique for measuring uterine cavity volume and degree of deformity.
Please see below a selection of articles from the July issue of the Journal chosen specially by the UOG team. To view all UOG content become an ISUOG member today.
Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging of the fetal skull and face
Ultrasound assessment of the fetal skull and face is an accurate tool with which to detect craniofacial malformations. Standard views are routinely obtained using two-dimensional (2D) imaging, but three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound is an important adjunct for assessment of the fetal skull and face, as certain cranial and facial features are more difficult to visualize with 2D imaging. In an Editorial with multiple online images, Tutschek et al. describe 3D imaging of the bony structures of the fetal head and face.
View the Editorial here.
Accuracy of saline contrast sonohysterography in detecting endometrial polyps and submucosal leiomyomas in women of reproductive age with abnormal uterine bleeding
Polyps and leiomyomas are the most common pathology associated with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), a significant problem in women of reproductive age. Saline contrast sonohysterography (SCSH) has become an important tool in the diagnosis of these women, providing a complementary method to conventional transvaginal ultrasound. Compared with hysteroscopy, it is less-invasive and better tolerated, with reasonable cost and rare complications, and has the ability to visualize and evaluate submucosal leiomyomas. In a new systematic review of five articles (543 women), Bittencourt et al. evaluated the accuracy of SCSH in diagnosing endometrial polyps and submucosal leiomyomas in women of reproductive age with AUB compared with gold standard hysteroscopy.
View the full article and accompanying Journal Club slides compiled by Dr Joel Naftalin.
New sonographic sign for predicting the natural history of Cesarean scar pregnancy
Prenatal counseling of women with Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) can be challenging and termination of pregnancy due to the association with morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) and its complications may need to be considered. In their latest study, Cali et al. propose the use of a new sonographic sign, the crossover sign (COS), at 6¬–8 weeks’ gestation to predict the natural history of CSP. COS defines the relationship between the gestational sac of the CSP, the anterior uterine wall and the Cesarean scar.
View the full article here.
Uterine cavity imaging, volume estimation and quantification of degree of deformity using automatic volume calculation
Imaging of the uterine cavity could improve diagnostic accuracy in and management of women with an abnormally shaped uterus. In a new article, Ludwin et al. describe the simple and novel technique for assessing uterine cavity volume and shape using sonohysterography and automatic volume-calculation software. They provide step-by-step guidance, with downloadable PowerPoint slides, on how to image the uterine cavity and calculate the volume using this technique.
View the full article here.
Coming up in the next issue of UOG…
• A systematic review and meta-analysis of customized vs population-based growth charts to identify neonates at risk of adverse outcomes. Preview the accepted article here. This article has been chosen for Journal Club, so look out for the accompanying downloadable slides next month.
• An Editorial describing the most common etiologies of fetal anemia, current screening and diagnostic tools, management, including fetal blood sampling and intrauterine transfusion, and their associated risks and benefits, and short- and long-term outcomes following fetal therapy.
• The 11th article in the series on imaging in gynecological disease, describing clinical and ultrasound features of mucinous ovarian tumors. Preview the accepted article here.