Obstetrics Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Obstetrics, including details on caesarean delivery, child birth, labour.

Obstetric US: watch the fetal hands.

Rypens F, Dubois J, Garel L, Fournet JC, Michaud JL, Grignon A

Department of Radiology, Hôpital Ste-Justine and Université de Montréal, 3175 Côte Ste-Catherine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3T 1C5. francoise_rypens@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

Hand anomalies are difficult to diagnose and are often overlooked during prenatal ultrasonography (US). The spectrum of malformations varies from subtle finger deformities to the complete amputation of limbs. Malformations of the hand can be classified, according to the predominant anomaly, among the following categories: alignment abnormalities (clenched hand, camptodactyly, clinodactyly, hypokinesia, clubhand, phocomelia), thumb anomalies, abnormal size (macrodactyly, trident hand), abnormal echogenicity (abnormal calcifications), abnormal number (polydactyly, syndactyly, ectrodactyly), and constriction band sequence. A fetal hand anomaly has important diagnostic and prognostic implications as well as functional consequences. Malformation may be isolated but often is associated with a syndrome or karyotype anomaly. Classification and characterization of the anomaly help to narrow the differential diagnosis: Some malformations (clenched hand, hitchhiker thumb) are highly suggestive of a specific diagnosis. The detection of a fetal hand malformation warrants a complete work-up, including complete fetal and cardiac US examinations, as well as genetic counseling to determine whether familial inquiry and karyotype analysis are necessary.

Published 16 May 2006 in Radiographics, 26(3): 811-29; discussion 830-1.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Obstetrics Research Today. All Rights Reserved.