Correlation of antenatal ultrasonography and pathological examinations in 153 malformed fetuses

Findings in 153 abnormal fetuses diagnosed by antenatal ultrasound and subsequently examined by a pediatric pathologist were reviewed. The primary diagnoses in the 153 cases were 67 nervous system anomalies, 19 gastrointestinal system anomalies, 18 genitourinary system anomalies, 13 chromosomal abnormalities, 10 skeletal system anomalies, and 26 other abnormalities. Forty-six percent of the total number had multiple abnormalities. In 67 cases (44%), autopsy showed further anomalies or altered the ultrasonographic diagnosis. However, in only 36 (25%) were there autopsy findings that altered management. Errors in ultrasound diagnosis were most commonly associated with the presence of multiple anomalies and oligohydramnios. Expert pathological examination remains an essential tool in the management of fetal anomaly.