Fetal liver measurements by ultrasonography

Abstract

A total of 378 measurements of fetal liver size were made from 18 weeks gestation through term. Statistical analysis of the results showed a highly significant correlation between fetal liver measurements and gestational age, biparietal diameter, and fetal femur length (R = 0.93, R = 0.89, R = 0.89, respectively). Ultrasonic measurement of the fetal liver is a reliable indicator of fetal growth in the third trimester, as growth rates of the biparietal diameter and head circumference are blunt. Furthermore, consecutive measurements of fetal liver size enhance the detection of symmetrical, fetal growth, by acquisition of various ultrasonic parameters such as biparietal diameter, fetal femur length, fetal abdominal circumference and so forth.