Echogenicity of fetal lung: Relation to fetal age and maturity

A. M. Fried, F. K. Loh, M. A. Umer, K. P. Dillon, R. Kryscio

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Reports of echogenicity of the fetal lung as it relates to maturity of that organ are scant and at variance. A study was undertaken to determine if any correlation between fetal age and/or lung maturity and echogenicity could be determined in a clinical setting. Studies were performed with either linear array or mechanical sector real-time devices. Echogenicity of the fetal lung was compared with that of the fetal liver in the same longitudinal (parasagittal or coronal) sonogram. Lung echogenicity was judged to be hypodense, isodense, slightly hyperdense, or markedly hyperdense as compared with the liver texture. One hundred eighty-five studies were evaluated; of these, some 37 patients also underwent amniocentesis for determination of lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios (L/S) and presence of phosphotidyl glycerol (PG). Linear regression analyses were performed to determine if lung echogenicity would serve as an indicator of fetal maturity. No clinically applicable relation was established between fetal lung echogenicity and gestational age, L/S, or presence of PG in amniotic fluid with current methodology. The possibility persists that tissue characterization techniques may find application in such an investigation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)591-594
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology
Volume145
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1985

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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