Principles of Real-Time Sonography in Modern Obstetrics [antikvár]

Preface With the introduction of ultrasound in obstetrics by I. Donald 25 years ago, the study of fetal morphology in utero became a reality. However, because of the expensive instrumentation involved, sonography was confined for many years to medical centers or hospital-based laboratories. Since the early 1970s, the availability of ultrasound equipment that was easy to use, reliable, and affordable made it feasible for the practicing obstetrician to carry out his own sonographic investigations. Such a növel approach is advantageous to the physician who is in the unique position to integrate sonographic information with clinical findings and to the patient who is spared the inconvenience of a referral. The present handbook is intended mainly as a guide and reference for practicing physicians who are considering the office use of ultrasound in the prenatal care of their patients. The first two chapters deal with the use of real-time sonography in the physician's office and with the choice of real-time ultrasound equipment. The remaining chapters illustrate the use of ultrasound in evaluating the fetus (viability, number, gestational age, growth, abnormalities, activity, and sex) and the placenta. The application of sonography in in vasi ve procedures, such as amniocentesis, has alsó been included. A brief chapter has been dedicated to the sonographic study of the gallbladder in pregnancy. In the Appendix, the physics of ultrasonography and the interaction of ultrasound and biologic tissues are reviewed. Special eflfort has been made to simplify these essential, yet unfamiliar, subjects. Their knowledge is necessary for the choice of the instrument and its optimál use. A brief historical review and a glossary of terms have alsó been included. In preparing the manuscript I have adhered strictly to two self-imposed rules: to deal exclusively with real-time imaging-all pictures in the text have been obtained using a linear-array transducer (Model 2130AA ADR, Tempe, Arizona 85282)-and to include only information applicable to clinical practice. The result is a succinct, simplified account of the extent to which pregnant patients can be evaluated by realtime sonographic imaging. Although written mainly to meet the needs of the practicing physician, it is hoped that this handbook may alsó be of use to medical students, house officers, obstetric nurse practioners, and any other health professionals with a special interest in obstetrics. N. Perone, M.D.