Am J Perinatol 1989; 6(3): 320-323
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-999603
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1989 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Accuracy of Ultrasound in the Prenatal Diagnosis of Spinal Anomalies

Roberto Romero, Jane Marietta Mathisen, Alessandro Ghidini, Marina Sirtori, John C. Hobbins
  • Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

This study was undertaken to determine the accuracy of sonographic examination in the prenatal diagnosis of neural tube defects. The study population consisted of 237 patients divided into three groups according to the indication for the sonographic examination. The overall sensitivity of sonography in the diagnosis of neural tube defects was 94.7%, and the specificity was 98.3%. A false positive diagnosis of spina bifida occurred in a fetus affected with ventriculomegaly, omphalocele, severe kyphosis and scoliosis. There were three false negative diagnoses of spina bifida.

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