Maternal ultrasonography in the antenatal diagnosis of surgically correctable fetal abnormalities.

The diagnoses of duodenal atresia, meconium peritonitis with atresia, "giant" omphalocele and twisted ovarian cyst were made by maternal ultrasonography in 6 cases, between the 31st and 34th wk of gestation. The indications for ultrasonography included polyhydramnios in 4 and placental bleeding and determination of fetal position in the other 2. The mothers were referred to a regional surgical center for delivery and all babies underwent operative correction within the first 12 hr of life. Early operation was felt to be essential to their survival and the importance of maternal ultrasonography in the "high-risk" pregnancy is emphasized.