Sectional Fetal Anatomy in Ultrasound

Alfons Staudach has been a long-time member of the Anatomic Institute of Karl Franzens University in Graz, where he has devoted particular atten­ tion to the deeper understanding, appreciation and visualizion of gross ana­ tomic details. In this work the author has achieved correspondence between sonograms and anatomic sections with a consistency and persuasiveness unequaled in all the previous literature on diagnostic ultrasound. The various planes of section andtheir characteristic features, and indeed the entire format of the text, are designed to provide even the less experienced sonographer with a valuable basis for conducting his examinations. The more experienced reader will find essential information on topographic relations and organ development that is not available in any other work dealing with fetal ana­ to~y. I am certain that my high estimation of this volume will prove justified, and that it will provice its readers with a useful and stimulating resource. Univ. -Prof. Dr. Walter Thiel (Chairman of the Anatomic Institute of the University of Graz) Foreword Anyone setting this book down after an initial perusal must wonder why such a reference was not available ten years ago. The meticulous and fas­ cinating juxtaposition of gross anatomic sections with sonograms, together with explanatory drawings and many practical guidelines, should enable even the novice accurately to identify details and interpret sonographic findings with precision.

The basis for a sufficient ultrasound examination in obstetric diagnosis is a knowledge of the normal systematic and sectional topographic anatomy of the fetus. Furthermore, a necessary understanding of developmental dynamic processes in the course of the fetal period is required. Until now, a clearly presented survey of this topic has been missing in the literature. In this book, the fundamentals necessary for distinguishing between normal fetal development and developmental anomaly are summarized according to organ areas. Special emphasis is placed on helping the reader understand ultrasound sectional images through direct comparison with real anatomic frozen sections. Complementary sectional sketches facilitate the approach to typical planes of section. In the organ areas essential for diagnosis the planes of section necessary for a sufficient and yet time-saving examination are standardized. Particular attention is paid to those structures which, in the course of fetal development, show changes in morphology and dimension that are relevant for diagnosis. The book allows the reader to carry out a cost-efficient screening of fetal anatomy with the help of the acquired schematic examination procedure.