Ultrasound prediction of pulmonary hypoplasia.

Abstract

Normograms for ultrasound-measured fetal chest and heart circumferences were constructed from 83 normal pregnancies of 24 to 39 weeks' duration. Of six cases at risk for pulmonary hypoplasia, all of whom ultimately proved to have the condition, four fell below the fifth percentile for chest circumferences. Both cases in which the chest circumference was within the normal range had pleural effusions.