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Am J Perinatol 2002; 19(8): 421-426
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-36840
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Doppler Flow Velocimetry Assisted Diagnosis of an Intrauterine Synechia During Pregnancy

David M. Sherer, Andrzej J. Lysikiewicz
  • 1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York
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Publication History

Publication Date:
22 January 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The differential diagnosis of reflective intrauterine membranes during pregnancy includes amniotic bands of fetal origin or membranes of combined maternal-fetal origin. While the former have been associated with fetal transverse reduction defects or the lethal amniotic band syndrome, the latter are usually benign and consist of a preexisting uterine septation or synechia around which the fetal membranes fold or become enveloped. We present an unusual case in which a patient was noted at 19 weeks' gestation to have an intrauterine membrane of undetermined origin, appearing to contain a pulsating vessel. Color Doppler imaging and Doppler flow velocimetry clearly depicted a pulse synchronous with the maternal heart rate, defining the membrane as amniotic membranes surrounding a preexisting uterine synechia and not a true amniotic band. The pregnancy was otherwise uneventful and the patient delivered a healthy neonate at elective repeat cesarean at which time the presence of the uterine synechia was confirmed.

KEYWORD

Doppler flow velocimetry - intrauterine synechia - pregnancy

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