PRENATAL SONOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS OF NASAL MALFORMATIONS

The aim of this study was to describe the prenatal detection of fetal nasal abnormalities by ultrasound. Transvaginal and transabdominal son ography was used for the detection of fetal malformations in 25 114 ca ses. The fetal nose was visualized in all the fetuses in an oblique se ction and in the lateral profile of the face. Fifteen cases of fetal n asal malformations were detected between the 12th and 27th week of ges tation. All but two, who had dilatation and curettage, were confirmed by postabortal or postnatal examination. Dyskaryosis (trisomies 18 and 21, triploidy, and tetrasomy 12p) was diagnosed in six cases (40 per cent). The nasal malformations were isolated in four cases, one of the m being associated with tetrasomy 12p. The fetal nose should also be a target in the prenatal sonographic screening for malformations in the early mid-trimester. The incidence of fetal nasal anomalies is 1:1674 fetuses (15:25 114). The fetal nose should be visualized by ultrasoun d in both an oblique plane and a lateral profile to identify its abnor malities. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.