Anatomical data supporting the interpretation of the ultrasound image of fetal lung

Aim: Performing a high quality ultrasound examination requires thorough knowledge of fetal anatomy. Given that lung ontogenesis is a complex staged process, premature birth interrupts ontogenetic development. The smaller the gestational age, the greater the anatomical pulmonary handicap that will result in respiratory distress at birth. The aim of this study was to illustrate the anatomy, the size of fetal lung and to compare these data to those provided by the ultrasound image. Method: The anatomical study was performed on a first group of lungs obtained following the necropsy examination of 30 fetuses with ges…