[Ultrasound diagnosis of fetal malformations in utero: apropos of 30 cases].

This study assess the incidence of fetal malformations and the contribution of ultrasound scans to their diagnosis in utero. We reviewed the files of 1,960 pregnant women of whom 30 (1.53%) had malformed fetuses. Ultrasound scanning detected 29 of these cases and failed to detect only one case (an arterial canal malformation). Neurological malformations, particularly hydrocephalus and anencephaly, were most common (12 cases), followed by urinary tract abnormalities (hydronephrosis and renal polycystosis). Other malformations, such as those of the digestive tract, thorax and face, occurred less frequently. Ultrasound scans can be used to decide whether the pregnancy should be continued and what postnatal treatment should be given.