My fetal ultrasound shows a short humerus. Is it concerning?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have contacted you about my baby's ultrasound after the 8-week scan. Now, I have some queries after the anomaly scan. In remarks, it is stated that the left renal pelvis is dilated and is 0.21 inches.

It is mentioned as UTD A1 (urinary tract dilatation A1), and they have measured humerus length, and the BPD (biparietal diameter) to humerus ratio is less than 0.91.

I have a few doubts.

Will the RPD (renal pelvic dilatation) resolve before the growth scan?
Since we have two soft markers in ultrasound, does it increase the chromosomal abnormalities?
Can the short humerus catch in the following scans, or is there something to be concerned about?

I do not have the complete report with me right now.

Please suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read the query, and I can understand your concern.

The measurements in ultrasound scans are subjective and might differ among doctors. The difference in humerus-radius length is within one week of that of the tibia, fibula, and femur.

In my opinion, it does not look significant, but it needs a follow-up scan to know if the variation in the age of bones of the upper and lower limbs continues over time. It is better to measure the right and left side humerus and radius to get more clarity in measurements.

UTDA1 (urinary tract dilatation A1) is the measurement in the upper limit of the normal range and is not alarming. It needs follow-up in the next scan.

Chromosomal abnormalities are complex entities, and isolated differences in limb measurements do not always mean chromosomal problems.

Please get a scan done at 24 and 28 weeks, and let us hope there are no significant growth variations.

I hope this will help you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have read the query, and I can understand your concern.

Usually, the next scan is done after 28 days, but getting a scan done at 24 weeks is acceptable. You can request any scan center for a scan at 24 weeks, as there are a few observations that you need to confirm by doing a follow-up scan.

They will not trouble you for reference.

I hope this will help you.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have read the query, and I can understand your concern.

Usually, changes are visualized after intervals of a few weeks. If you get an ultrasound done in 22 or 23 weeks, then the variations in measurements might not be appreciated, leading to confusion. You are correct that the chances of chromosomal changes are less.

I hope this will help you.

Thank you.

Answer 4

Hello,

Thanks, and best wishes.