ABSTRACT
A three-dimensional (3D) transvaginal diagnosis of alobar holoprosencephaly (HPE)
with associated omphalocele is reported at 12 weeks, 3 days gestation. Diagnosis of
HPE was based on visualization of a single holoprosencephalic cavity with absent falx
and basal ganglia and omphalocele by the presence of abdominal wall defect with mid-gut
herniation. Chorionic villus sampling showed a normal 46,XX karyotype. 3D volumetric
reconstruction allowed a more detailed definition of the anatomic landmarks of the
lesion, including visualization of a thin rim of cortical mantel within the prosencephalic
cavity, the dysmorphic face with flattened nose, and the abdominal eventration that
looked like an abdominal air bag on 3D volumetric reconstruction.
KEYWORDS
Three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound - holoprosencephaly - omphalocele - fetal
karyotype - prenatal counseling
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Gabriele TonniM.D. Ph.D.
Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Guastalla Provincial Hospital, AUSL Reggio
Emilia, Via Donatori di Sangue
1, Guastalla (RE), Italy