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Foetal radiography for suspected skeletal dysplasia: technique, normal appearances, diagnostic approach

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Abstract

Despite advances in antenatal imaging and genetic techniques, post-delivery post-mortem foetal radiography remains the key investigation in accurate diagnosis of skeletal dysplasia manifesting in the foetus. Foetal radiography is best performed using pathology-specimen radiography equipment and is often carried out in the pathology department without involvement of the radiology unit. However, paediatric radiologists may be asked to interpret post-mortem foetal radiographs when an abnormality is suspected. Many foetal radiographs are carried out before 20 weeks’ gestation, and the interpreting radiologist needs to be familiar with the range of normal post-mortem foetal appearances at different gestational ages, as well as the appearances of some of the more commonly presenting skeletal dysplasias, and will benefit from a systematic approach when assessing more challenging cases. In this pictorial essay, we illustrate various normal post-mortem foetal radiographic appearances, give examples of commonly occurring skeletal dysplasias, and describe an approach to establishing more difficult diagnoses.

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Conflicts of interest

Drs Calder and Offiah are committee members of the Skeletal Dysplasia Group. Dr Offiah has received research funding from the Skeletal Dysplasia Group.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiology Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK

    Alistair D. Calder

  2. Academic Unit of Child Health, Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK

    Amaka C. Offiah

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  1. Alistair D. Calder
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  2. Amaka C. Offiah
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Correspondence to Alistair D. Calder.

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Calder, A.D., Offiah, A.C. Foetal radiography for suspected skeletal dysplasia: technique, normal appearances, diagnostic approach. Pediatr Radiol 45, 536–548 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-014-3130-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-014-3130-x

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