147. Spine anomalies in fetus–diagnosis and incidence: A retrospective study of 10,000 consecutive fetal scans

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Looking for spinal anomalies is now an integral part of most prenatal ultrasound evaluations worldwide. However, we have very few published figures relating to the incidence and types of spinal anomalies from a prenatal scan. Here we look into how big this spectrum of disease is in the context of India and which anomalies can commonly be identified and how often are they identified at a tertiary care center. PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to find the incidence of various spine anomalies in the fetus and to evaluate the scope of early diagnosis in the management of these anomalies. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective study. PATIENT SAMPLE This study included 10,000 consecutive fetal scans done at a single tertiary care center. OUTCOME MEASURES All patients having spinal bony and cord anomalies were included in the study. Methods We report the results of 10,000 consecutive prenatal ultrasound scans specifically with respect to the incidence and distribution of spinal anomaly. Results Out of 10,000 patients studied, 89 (0.008%) were diagnosed with spine and spinal cord anomalies.Of these 89 patients, 57 had spinal dysraphism, 10 had one or more level of hemivertebra, 9 patients presented with intra-uterine scoliosis, and 22 with kyphosis. Sacral agenesis was present in 7 of these patients Conclusions This is the first study to evaluate the incidence of prenatal diagnosis of spinal anomaly. Prenatal information will be of great value to spine surgeons as well as parents for counseling and planning treatment. A team approach comprising a spine surgeon, a fetal medicine expert and an obstetrician in all cases should be the order of the day. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.