Fetal Spine (lesson 22)

Question 1

When can you visualize the 3 ossifications of the spine in TRV plane?

Answer 1

16th weeks

Question 2

Where do the two posterior spine ossifications lie?

Answer 2

In the laminae

Question 3

The anterior ossification lies within which part of the spine?

Answer 3

vertebral body

Question 4

Where does the conus medullaris image in the second and third trimester?

Answer 4

L2, L3

Question 5

What are the 3 determinations of spinal normalcy?

Answer 5

• intact neural canal
• normal location and shape of spinal ossification centers
• intact dorsal skin contour

Question 6

When will you see a higher level of AFP?

Answer 6

During structural defects, such as anencephaly or spina bifida

Question 7

How long is the process of the neural tube formation?

Answer 7

2 days, cannot be disrupted or bad stuff happens

Question 8

What are the two types of spina bidifa defects?

Answer 8

Ventral defect and dorsal defect

Question 9

What is a ventral defect for spina bifida?

Answer 9

Vertebral body splitting and a neurogenic-origin cystic structure, happens higher in the spine

Question 10

What is a dorsal defect for spina bifida?

Answer 10

Subdivisions of open and closed forms (defect not covered by skin - open; defect covered by skin - closed)

Question 11

Closed spina bifida is also known as?

Answer 11

Spina bifida occulta

Question 12

What is spina bifida occulta?

Answer 12

This type of spina bifida has a skin covering and is not noticeable on the surface, except for a small dimple or tuft of hair; usually a finding without consequence. Often at the sacrolumbar version.

Question 13

What is spina bifida aperta?

Answer 13

Open spina bifida, a full thickness defect of the skin, underlying soft tissue and vertebral arches which exposes the neural canal

Question 14

What (3 factors) plays a definitive role in causes of NTD?

Answer 14

genetic factors, environmental factors, nutritional factors

Question 15

Second trimester hydrocephalus occurs ALL THE TIME in what?

Answer 15

Neonates with spina bifida aperta

Question 16

What does the appearance of a normal cerebellum and cisterna magna exlude?

Answer 16

Myelomeningocele

Question 17

What sort of abnormality is the combination of lateral and anterior curvature?

Answer 17

Kyphoscoliosis

Question 18

What is a lateral displacement of the atnerior ossification center?

Answer 18

Scioliosis

Question 19

What is caudal regression syndrome?

Answer 19

A heterogeneous group of congenital anomlaies affecting the caudal spine and spinal cord, the hindgut, the UG system, and the lower limbs

Question 20

What is the sonographic appearance of Caudal Regression Syndrome?

Answer 20

SAG and TRV views of spine uncover vertebral absence, fused iliac wings, decreased femoral head distance, short femurs, and club feet

Question 21

Where is the most common location for a teratoma in the fetus?

Answer 21

Sacrococcygeal (caudal end)

Question 22

What is the most common neoplasm in the newborn?

Answer 22

Teratoma

Question 23

Do sacrococcygeal teratomas happen more frequently in male or females?

Answer 23

Females

Question 24

What does a Sacrococcygeal Termatoma look like on US?

Answer 24

The tumor mass images as a protrusion between the anus and coccyx, may be solid or complex

Question 25

Where does the cystic component of a sacrococcygeal teratoma come from?

Answer 25

Choroid plexus tissue secretes cerebrospinal fluid

Question 26

What prenatal risks (2) come from sacrococcygeal teratomas?

Answer 26

Congestive heart failure and hydrops

Question 27

Perinatal mortality and morbidity are most strongly related to which?

Answer 27

Cardiac failure, subsequent fetal hydrops, polyhydramnios, and preterm delivery