Evaluation of Hemivertebrae and Fetal Ribs Using 3D Sonography

Hemivertebrae is the failure of an ossification center to develop, resulting in an abnormal curvature of the spine. It is the primary cause of scoliosis and kyphosis. Hemivertebrae may be isolated or associated with multiple anomalies, the most common being neural tube defects. It is also strongly associated with upper extremity and rib abnormalities. Other associated abnormalities include cardiac, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal abnormalities as well as a variety of syndromes. The prognosis is directly related to the associated findings. Three-dimensional sonography provides a significant increase in the diagnostic recognition of rib and scapula abnormalities associated with hemivertebrae. This allows for a more accurate prenatal diagnosis and predicted prognosis.