Turkish Journal of Pathology

Türk Patoloji Dergisi

Turkish Journal of Pathology

Turkish Journal of Pathology

2012, Vol 28, Num, 2     (Pages: 154-161)

Evaluation of Fetal Autopsy Findings in the Hatay Region: 274 Cases

Sibel HAKVERDİ 1, İsmail GÜZELMANSUR 2, Arif GÜNGÖREN 3, Serhat TOPRAK 1, Mehmet YALDIZ 1, Ali Ulvi HAKVERDİ 2

1 Department of Pathology, Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Medicine, Antakya/HATAY, TURKEY
2 Department of Radiology, Antakya Mozayik Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, Antakya/HATAY, TURKEY
3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Medicine, Antakya/HATAY, TURKEY

DOI: 10.5146/tjpath.2012.01115
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Objective: The aim of this study was to present the incidence of fetal anomalies in our region of Hatay, Turkey in order to determine the efficiency of prenatal diagnosis through fetal autopsy, and to compare our statistical data with other national and international studies.

Material and Method: This study was conducted on 274 fetuses from terminated pregnancies due to abnormal prenatal findings and intrauterine deaths from 2005 to September 2010. Fetuses were evaluated through postmortem examination, external measurements, X-rays, Magnetic Resonance Images, Multislice Computerized Tomography and photographs. The autopsy was completed by the histological examination of each organ.

Results: Autopsy was conducted on 274 fetuses. A fetal anomaly was detected in 160 (58.39%) cases. The central nervous system contained the most frequent structural defects (79 cases, 49.38%), followed by malformations in the musculoskeletal system in 36 cases (22.5%). The most frequent multiple system anomalies were central nervous system defect and bilateral adrenal agenesis, musculoskeletal system malformations and urinary system defects. Fetal autopsy provided additional findings in 43 cases (26.88%).

Conclusion: Fetal autopsy is a very important procedure and an integral part of the general prenatal management. New findings through this method may suggest invaluable data for parents about potential risks in future pregnancies.

Keywords : Autopsy, Fetal diseases, Prenatal diagnosis, Hatay