Fetus acardius: Two- and three-dimensional ultrasonographic diagnoses

Abstract

Objective. To determine whether ultrasonographic detection of acardiac fetuses and diagnostic accuracy of related malformations improve with complementary use of two-dimensional ultrasonography, three-dimensional ultrasonography, and Doppler scanning. Methods. Three pregnant women with multifetal gestations who were found to have discordant fetuses on initial two-dimensional ultrasonographic scanning were subsequently scanned with three-dimensional ultrasonography and color Doppler ultrasonography. Results. Although the possibility of acardiac fetuses was entertained in all cases after two-dimensional ultrasonographic scanning, the diagnosis was confirmed, and the accuracy and extent of fetal malformations were established with three-dimensional ultrasonography and color Doppler scanning. Two of the women had twin gestations, and the third woman had a triplet gestation. Among the women with twin gestations, 1 donor twin had no abnormalities, and the other donor twin had a diagnosis of arthrogryposis and gastroschisis. The woman with triplets had 1 acardiac fetus; the donor fetus was anencephalic; and the third fetus had alobar holoprosencephaly. Conclusions. Complementary use of two-dimensional ultrasonography, three-dimensional ultrasonography, and color Doppler scanning improves diagnostic accuracy and the ability to evaluate the extent and severity of organ compromise in pregnancies complicated by acardiac fetuses.