Foetal Ultrasound– A Study of Spina Bifida and Associated Anomalies in Rural Pregnant Women

ABSTRACT

To study the incidence and various types of associated anomalies and complications on obstetric ultrasound, in rural pregnant women. To reduce the maternal morbidity and mortality by early detection of these congenital neuroectodermal anomalies. To assist the obstetrician in taking decisions regarding the termination or continuation of the pregnancy in relation to the type of malformation and its prognosis. A prospective and retrospective study of spina bifida and its associated anomalies was done on 23,000 rural pregnant women coming to the Santhiram Medical College, Radiology Department for a routine obstetric scan. A total of 19 cases spina bifida were detected of which 2 cases were pure spina bifida without any complication, 14 cases had hydrocephalus and meningocele or myelomeningocele and 2 cases had meningocele without hydrocephalus. One case had anencephaly with an incidence of 1 per 1,111 cases. History of similar anomaly and intake of iron and folic acid tablets were noted. Ultrasound is an excellent modality for the diagnosis and characterisation of these neuroectodermal anomalies. Its multiplanar imaging property along with real-time image visualization makes it an excellent tool for the diagnosis and characterization of these anomalies.