Short-limbed dwarfism: ultrasonographic diagnosis by mensuration of fetal femoral length.

Abstract

The femoral lengths of 70 normal [human] fetuses, 59 short-limbed dwarfs and 2 additional normal fetuses at risk for dwarfism were measured employing linear array real-time (rapid B-scan) ultrasonographic systems. Prenatal diagnosis of short-limbed dwarfs can be accomplished by this technique, in some instances early enough to allow parent to consider elective abortion. Fundamental differences are indicated in the growth pattern of certain dwarf syndromes.