Objective:

To investigate two-dimensional sonographic features of fetal solitary hemivertebra

and to improve the awareness of prenatal ultrasonography.

Methods:

From May 2010 to May 2015

36 504 pregnant women in Chashan Hospital of Dongguan underwent routine prenatal ultrasound examination. Seven cases of fetal solitary hemivertebra were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:

There were five cases of thoracic hemivertebra and two cases of lumbar hemivertebra. During prenatal ultrasound examination

five cases of kyphosis or lordosis were found in sagittal section

and six cases of left or right spinal scoliosis were found in coronal section. In the absence of scoliosis and angulation it was very difficult to find vertebral m

orphological abnormalities in cross section.

Conclusion:

Sagittal section could display kyphosis or lordosis caused by hemivertebra

coronal section could display left or right spinal scoliosis

and cross section could display vertebral morphological abnormalities. Fetal solitary hemivertebra has typical sonographic features

and two-dimensional ultrasound could be used for screening of fetal solitary hemivertebra.