Abnormal Sonogram

Posted by Stephanie on May 09, 1999 at 18:35:59
At 20 weeks I had a sonogram that showed choroid plexus cysts, I just had a follow up sonogram at 24 weeks that showed the cysts were gone.  However, the radiology doctor found several other areas that caused him great concern:  my placenta is enlarged, my amniotic fluid is low, there is a week's lag in the baby's growth rate and his intestines appear lighter on the sonogram than they should.  What do all these things mean?  I will be seeing my OB within the next couple of days but wanted someone else's opinion also.  Thanks

Posted by hfhs.md.rcs on May 18, 1999 at 13:39:40
Dear Stephanie:
A choroid plexus cyst seen in the developing brain is often an isolated finding that resolves during pregnancy.
An enlarged placenta may be a variation of normal; other issues that might be checked are antibody levels for infections such as toxoplasmosis which is part of a group of infections known by the eponym TORCH or a glucose screen for diabestes during pregnancy.
The error in ultrasound dating at this point in pregnancy is 10 days and perhaps 14 days. Thus, a single observation of 1 week delay in growth needs to be confirmed by a repeat ultrasound study. Right now, the observation is within normal range of ultrasound measurement error.
Low amniotic fluid also needs to be confirmed over time.
The appearance of the intestine may be a reason to consider an amniocentesis to assess the chromosome pattern of the baby.
Ultrasound findings cannot be judged in isolation. Your physician needs to discuss these findings with the ultrasonographer, correlate the information with your clinical examinations, and then make recommendations to you.
Keywords: low fluid, large placenta, 24 weeks pregnant
This information is provided for education purposes only and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please speak with your healthcare provider.