Ultrasonographic prenatal imaging of fetal ocular and orbital abnormalities

Surv Ophthalmol. 2018 Nov-Dec;63(6):745-753. doi: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2018.04.006. Epub 2018 Apr 27.

Abstract

Technological progress in medicine has provided earlier diagnosis, even into the prenatal period. We address ultrasonographic imaging of the prenatal eye and orbit. During development of these structures, multiple pathologies and diseases can arise. Orbital anomalies can be detected prenatally using ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. Some of these include congenital cataracts, hypertelorism, hypotelorism, dacryocystocele, microphthalmia, anophthalmia, orbital tumors/masses, and septo-optic dysplasia. We describe characteristic ultrasound findings of these diseases. Prenatal ocular and orbital diagnosis is best facilitated by a team approach between ophthalmology, radiology, obstetrics, neonatology, and genetic counselors to optimize diagnostic accuracy, familial expectations, and early treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Eye / diagnostic imaging*
  • Eye Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Optic Nerve / diagnostic imaging
  • Orbit / diagnostic imaging*
  • Orbital Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / methods*
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal / methods*