Seminars in ultrasound, CT, and MR
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Semin. Ultrasound CT MR · Aug 1998
ReviewAmniotic fluid and the umbilical cord: the fetal milieu and lifeline.
Amniotic fluid volume should be routinely assessed in every second and third trimester case. A review of amniotic fluid physiology and techniques for ultrasound evaluation of fluid volume is presented. The causes and significance of oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios are stressed. ⋯ The clinical significance of some common umbilical cord abnormalities such as a two-vessel cord and nuchal cord are discussed. Other, more uncommon entities such as cord mass lesions are also reviewed. Finally, the role of cord Doppler interrogation in determining fetal well-being is discussed.