Presentation Outlines: ASUM Annual Scientific Congress 2011

Assoc Prof Robert Cincotta Cincotta RB, Ashton LJ, Marr SM, Stemm AY Antenatal detection of vasa praevia: we can make a difference Vasa praevia is a condition in which fetal vessels, unsupported by the umbilical cord or placenta, run on the fetal membranes in the lower uterine segment near the cervix. Rupture of these vessels prior to or at the time of delivery can be associated with a very high perinatal mortality rate. Antenatal diagnosis of this condition with ultrasound is readily available, alters management and signifi cantly decreases the risk of fetal loss. We performed an audit of prenatally diagnosed cases of vasa praevia and the clinical outcomes from a tertiary referral ultrasound centre, over a fi ve-year period. Th ere were 34 cases suspected in 25,492 scans over fi ve years. Th ere was one loss from an APH, which occurred prior to planned elective admission to hospital. Th e characteristics of these cases that led to their diagnosis, outcomes and the risk factors will be described. Th e presentation will discuss how to identify vasa praevia on ultrasound. Demonstration of the various artifacts that sonographers encounter that may lead to a misdiagnosis will be discussed. Diagnosis of this uncommon condition can make such a huge impact on survival. We will present guidelines for sonographers when performing an obstetric examination, to help identify vasa praevia.