First- and second-trimester diagnosis of fetal ocular defects and associated anomalies: report of eight cases

Obstet Gynecol. 1991 Mar;77(3):443-9.

Abstract

Ocular cataract, hypertelorism, hypotelorism, anophthalmos, and microphthalmos are rare malformations commonly associated with other fetal anomalies. Previously, ocular malformations were detected only after mid-gestation. Transvaginal sonography allows the detection of many structural fetal anomalies. We describe the case reports of eight ocular anomalies among 1600 fetal screenings by transvaginal sonography at 12-18 weeks' gestation. Severe cataract was correctly diagnosed by transvaginal sonography. However, transvaginal sonography failed to detect moderate cataract in a case of repeat cataract in a subsequent gestation. Anophthalmia may sometimes be secondary to a degenerative process in middle and late pregnancy. In five of the eight described cases, the eye malformations were associated with defects of the central nervous system.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Eye Abnormalities / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Second
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal / methods*