How Early Can Fetal Heart Pulsations Be Detected Reliably Using Modern Ultrasound Equipment?

Ultrasound ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 193-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Ramsey ◽  
Jayne Shilitto
Keyword(s):  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Ultrasound Examination ◽  
Cardiac Activity ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Initial Examination ◽  
Intrauterine Pregnancy ◽  
Crown Rump Length ◽  
Large Teaching Hospital ◽  
Actual Size

Background: Current national guidelines for the use of ultrasound in early pregnancy state that the embryonic heartbeat should be identified when the embryo measures 6 mm in length (RCOG/RCR 1995). Failure to visualise heart pulsations in embryos measuring 6 mm or less requires patients to wait 7 days for a repeat scan. Anecdotally, there is evidence to suggest that it is usually possible to see embryonic heart pulsation much earlier using modern ultrasound equipment. The aim of this study was to identify the smallest length of embryo when it is possible to always visualise heart pulsations during an ultrasound examination. Method: This was a prospective observational study of women attending the early pregnancy unit of a large teaching hospital. Women were invited to participate when a clinically indicated ultrasound examination revealed an intrauterine pregnancy with an embryo measuring 6 mm or less. All women were symptomatic, i.e. they presented with pain and/or bleeding in early pregnancy. The presence or absence of discernible embryonic cardiac activity was recorded at the initial ultrasound examination, and any follow-up ultrasound examination, along with the crown rump length (CRL) of the embryo. Results: The study sample consisted of 95 embryos with CRL range 1·2–6 mm. Visible heart pulsations were seen in 80 (84%) embryos at the initial examination. In 15 embryos, no discernible heart pulsation was noted; in all 15 cases, these pregnancies went on to miscarry: this was confirmed at a follow-up examination 7 days later. Conclusion: In early pregnancy ultrasound, cardiac activity should be visualized in all live embryos as soon as the embryo can be identified reliably. The absence of heart pulsations in very small embryos is indicative of pregnancy demise, regardless of the actual size of the embryo.

“The black box” of nonviable pregnancy in early gestation

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Å.S. Emelyanenko , A.Yu. Blinov , T.M. Volkovskaya
Keyword(s):  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Ultrasound Examination ◽  
Black Box ◽  
Safety Regulation ◽  
Intrauterine Pregnancy ◽  
Early Gestation ◽  
Prognostic Criteria

The modern sonographic approach to define miscarriage in early pregnancy was shown in the article. Ultrasound diagnostic and prognostic criteria of nonviable pregnancy in early gestation were introduced. Special attention was paid to the examination`s algorithm and repeatability of ultrasound scans with suspicion of intrauterine pregnancy of uncertain viability. Also the consequences of non-following the stringent ultrasound criteria, which lead to the abortions of potentially normal pregnancies were described. Furthermore, the authors highlighted the importance of safety regulation`s aspects in ultrasound examination in early gestation. The conclusion of the importance and need in following the uniform methodological criteria in diagnostics of nonviable pregnancy has been drawn according to the analysis of world experience.

Detection of the Small-for-Gestational Age Twin Fetus by a Two-Stage Ultrasound Examination Schedule

1982 ◽  
Vol 31 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 235-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.P. Neilson
Keyword(s):  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Small For Gestational Age ◽  
Ultrasound Examination ◽  
Ultrasonic Measurement ◽  
Two Stage ◽  
Crown Rump Length ◽  
Biparietal Diameter ◽  
Ultrasonic Assessment ◽  
Twin Pregnancies

Serial ultrasonic measurement of the biparietal diameter is an unsatisfactory means of detecting the small-for-gestational age (SGA) fetus in twin pregnancies. A new two-stage ultrasound examination schedule, highly effective in detecting the SGA singleton fetus, has been evaluated prospectively in 31 twin pregnancies. The schedule comprises ultrasonic assessment of gestational age in early pregnancy, followed by measurement of the product of the crown–rump length and trunk area of both fetuses at 34–36 weeks. All Nineteen SGA twin fetuses were detected using this schedule; the technique offers several other advantages over serial biparietal cephalometry.

scholarly journals Ultrasound Evaluation of Abnormal Early Pregnancy

2008 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Badreldeen Ahmed ◽  
Sanja Kupesic ◽  
Jose Maria Carrera
Keyword(s):  
Doppler Ultrasound ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Ultrasound Examination ◽  
Color Doppler ◽  
Color Doppler Ultrasound ◽  
Transvaginal Sonography ◽  
Abnormal Pregnancy ◽  
Ultrasound Evaluation ◽  
Golden Standard

Abstract Ultrasound examination has become the “golden standard” in follow-up of the development and complications in early pregnancy. With introduction of transvaginal sonography a possibility for early morphological and biometrical ultrasound examinations has been significantly improved. The essential aim of an early pregnancy ultrasound is not only to diagnose a pregnancy, but also to differentiate between normal and abnormal pregnancy. Application of color Doppler ultrasound has enabled functional hemodynamic presentation and evaluation soon after implantation.

Modulation of carotid strain by statin therapy in atherosclerosis patients

VASA ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Alexander Schaefer ◽  
Anna Katharina Blatzheim ◽  
Sebastian Gorgonius Passon ◽  
Kristin Solveig Pausewang ◽  
Nadjib Schahab ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statin Therapy ◽  
Pulse Wave ◽  
Ultrasound Examination ◽  
Ankle Brachial Index ◽  
Radial Strain ◽  
Strain Analysis ◽  
Duplex Ultrasound ◽  
Strain Imaging ◽  
The Common

Abstract. Background: The beneficial effect of statin therapy on the progress of atherosclerotic disease has been demonstrated by numerous studies. Vascular strain imaging is an arising method to evaluate arterial stiffness. Our study examined whether an influence of statin therapy on the vessel wall could be detected by vascular strain imaging. Patients and methods: 88 patients with recently detected atherosclerosis underwent an angiological examination including ankle-brachial index (ABI), pulse wave index (PWI), central puls ewave velocity and duplex ultrasound. Captures for vascular strain analysis were taken in B-mode during ultrasound examination of the common carotid artery and evaluated using a workstation equipped with a speckle tracking based software. A statin therapy was recommended and after six months a follow-up examination took place. Meanwhile, the non-adherence of a group of patients (N = 18) lead to a possibility to observe statin effects on the vascular strain. Results: In the statin non-adherent group the ABI decreased significantly to a still non-pathological level (1.2 ± 0.2 vs. 1.0 ± 0.2; p = 0.016) whereas it stagnated in the adherent group (1.0 ± 0.2 vs. 1.0 ± 0.2; p = 0.383). The PWI did not differ in the non-adherent group (180.5 ± 71.9 vs. 164.4 ± 75.8; p = 0.436) but under statin therapy it decreased significantly (261.8 ± 238.6 vs. 196.4 ± 137.4; p = 0.016). In comparison to the adherent group (4.2 ± 2.0 vs. 4.0 ± 1.8; p = 0.548) under statin therapy the radial strain decreased significantly in the non-adherent group (4.7 ± 2.0 vs. 3.3 ± 1.1; p = 0.014). Conclusions: Our findings reveal a beneficial influence of statin therapy on the arterial wall detected by vascular strain analysis.

The role of ultrasound examination in early detection and follow-up of arterio-portal shunts

2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (S 1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Ioanitescu ◽  
L Micu ◽  
A Rampoldi ◽  
N Masala ◽  
V Marcu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Detection ◽  
Ultrasound Examination

Evaluation of Normal Heart Rate in Early Pregnancy Corresponding to Gestational Age between Six to Eight Weeks

Med Phoenix ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-37
Author(s):  
Akhilesh Kumar Jha ◽  
Bikranta Rimal ◽  
Tarannum Khatun
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Normal Heart ◽  
Normal Heart Rate ◽  
First Trimester Of Pregnancy ◽  
Singleton Pregnancies

Background: Ultrasonography is the reliable and safe way for the evaluation of pregnancy. Heart rate can be detected more confidently from the Ultrasonography. Heart rate is an important parameter for the evaluation of early pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the normal heart rate in embryos/fetuses between 6 and 8 weeks of gestation.Method: In our region people are poor and most of them do not know the benefit of regular follow up examination during pregnancy. So most of pregnant women come to our centre at late stage of pregnancy. The number of pregnancy cases is good in our centre but the number of early pregnancy cases coming to regular follow up examination is low. Thus the study was conducted in 51 normal singleton pregnancies undergoing routine ultrasound examination during the first trimester of pregnancy. The duration of study was 6 weeks.Result: Out of 51 singleton pregnancies, 20 cases (39.2%) heart rate were between 131-150 beat per minute and 25 cases (49.0 %) heart rate were between 151-170 beat per minute. However 4 cases (7.8%) were between 110-120 beat per minute and 2 cases (3.9%) were more than 171 beat per minute. There were zero cases above the 180 beat per minute.Conclusion: The result of this study will help to evaluate abnormal and normal fetal heart rate so that early clinical decision whether to continue the pregnancy or terminate it can be taken, as Ultrasonography is only the method used in screening fetal well being in most of the region of our country.Med Phoenix Vol.2(1) July 2017, 34-37

Role of Serum β-HCG doubling in Diagnosis of Early Pregnancy and its Management Strategy

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Divya Mirji ◽  
Shubha Rao ◽  
Akhila Vasudeva ◽  
Roopa P.S
Keyword(s):  
Ectopic Pregnancy ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Transvaginal Ultrasound ◽  
Expectant Management ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Intrauterine Pregnancy ◽  
Β Hcg ◽  
Pregnancy Of Unknown Location

Background: Pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) is defined as the absence of intrauterine or extrauterine sac and Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin levels (β-HCG) above the discriminatory zone of 1500 mIU/ml. It should be noted that PUL is not always an ectopic; however, by measuring the trends of serum β-HCG, we can determine the outcome of a PUL. Objective: This study aims to identify the various trends β-HCG levels in early pregnancy and evaluate the role of β-HCG in the management strategy. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of pregnant women suspected with early pregnancy. Cases were classified as having a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) by transvaginal ultrasound and ß-HCG greater than 1000 mIU/ml. Expectant management was done until there was a definite outcome. All the collected data were analyzed by employing the chi-square test using SPSS version 20. Results: Among 1200 women who had early first trimester scans, 70 women who fulfilled our criteria of PUL and ß-HCG > 1000 mIU/ml were recruited in this study. In our study, the mean age of the participants was 30±5.6yrs, and the overall mean serum ß-HCG was 3030±522 mIU/ml. The most common outcome observed was an ectopic pregnancy, 47% in our study. We also found the rate of failing pregnancy was 27%, and that of intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) was 25%. Overall, in PUL patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy, 9% behaved like IUP, and 4% had an atypical trend in their ß-HCG. Those who had an IUP, 11% had a suboptimal increase in ß-HCG. Conclusion: PUL rate in our unit was 6%. Majority of the outcome of PUL was ectopic in our study. Every case of PUL should be managed based on the initial ß-HCG values, clinical assessments and upon the consent of the patient.

scholarly journals Nonsurgical miniscrew-assisted rapid maxillary expansion results in acceptable stability in young adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 86 (5) ◽  
pp. 713-720 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung-Hwan Choi ◽  
Kyung-Keun Shi ◽  
Jung-Yul Cha ◽  
Young-Chel Park ◽  
Kee-Joon Lee
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Treatment Modality ◽  
Orthodontic Treatment ◽  
Rapid Maxillary Expansion ◽  
Maxillary Expansion ◽  
Initial Examination ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Maxillary Deficiency ◽  
Time Point

ABSTRACT Objective:  To evaluate the stability of nonsurgical miniscrew-assisted rapid maxillary expansion (MARME) in young adults with a transverse maxillary deficiency. Materials and Methods:  From a total of 69 adult patients who underwent MARME followed by orthodontic treatment with a straight-wire appliance, 20 patients (mean age, 20.9 ± 2.9 years) with follow-up records (mean, 30.2 ± 13.2 months) after debonding were selected. Posteroanterior cephalometric records and dental casts were obtained at the initial examination (T0), immediately after MARME removal (T1), immediately after debonding (T2), and at posttreatment follow-up (T3). Results:  Suture separation was observed in 86.96% of subjects (60/69). An increase in the maxillary width (J-J; 1.92 mm) accounted for 43.34% of the total expansion with regard to the intermolar width (IMW) increase (4.43 mm; P < .001) at T2. The amounts of J-J and IMW posttreatment changes were −0.07 mm (P > .05) and −0.42 mm (P  =  .01), respectively, during retention. The postexpansion change in middle alveolus width increased with age (P < .05). The postexpansion change of interpremolar width (IPMW) was positively correlated with the amount of IPMW expansion (P < .05) but not with IMW. The changes of the clinical crown heights in the maxillary canines, first premolars, and first molars were not significant at each time point. Conclusions:  Nonsurgical MARME can be a clinically acceptable and stable treatment modality for young adults with a transverse maxillary deficiency.

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