Publication: Sonographic Measurement of Fetal Pinna Length in Normal Pregnancies
Date
2011
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Many studies have emphasized on fetal pinna measurements and morphologic
features to use this structure as an additional marker for fetal chromosomal anomaly.
Objectives
To assess relationship between fetal pinna length and gestation age and develop a
nomogram. To assess relationship between fetal pinna length and head circumference
and biparietal diameter.
Methods
Fetal pinna measurements from the tip of helix to the end of lobe were obtained
prospectively in 850 singleton pregnant women between 15 and 40 weeks’ gestation
Normal case was defined as normal sonographic findings during examination and
normal infant examination at birth or both. Final study population was 787. The
relationship between gestational age in weeks to pinna length in millimeters was
analyzed by simple linear regression. Correlation of fetal ear length measurements
with gestational age, biparietal diameter and head circumference were also obtained.
Results
Linear relationships were found between fetal pinna length and gestational age
[Pinna Length (mm)=1.044xGestational age (weeks) -3.857]. A nomogram of normal
pinna length was obtained. High correlation was found between pinna length and
gestational age (r=0.942; p< 0.001), pinna length and head circumference (r=0.931;
p< 0.001). Significant correlation was found between pinna length and biparietal
diameter (r=0.934; p=0.004)
Conclusions
The results of this study provide a nomogram for fetal pinna. The study also provides
relationship and good correlation between pinna length and other biometric
measurements.
KEY WORDS
gestational age, pinna length, sonography
Description
Joshi KS,1 Chawla CD,2 Karki S,1 Shrestha NC3
1Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging
2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
3Department of Pediatrics
Dhulikhel Hospital - Kathmandu University Hospital Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal