Ultrasound patient services

Because of the large referral population and busy obstetric service, more than 60-70 major fetal anomalies are diagnosed each year, using sophisticated targeted imaging for fetal anomalies (TIFFA) scans. To provide excellent comprehensive care, a perinatal assessment team meets regularly to review management and care of identified families and share current treatment and diagnostic options. The team consists of health professionals from Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH) and Children's Memorial Hospital (CMH). These professionals represent a wide range of perinatal specialties including ultrasonography, genetics, maternal-fetal medicine, neonatology, pediatric surgery, pediatric neurosurgery, pediatric cardiology, pediatric urology, and pathology. If an anomaly is identified, families are given information about the nature of the anomaly, the optimum management modality for the pregnancy, the likely treatment plan for the newborn, and the expected prognosis at diagnosis. This multidisciplinary approach to fetal anomaly cases is enhanced by the use of a teleconference link between NMH and CMH ensuring the input of all appropriate team members representing the various subspecialties.

Genetic amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, and fetal echocardiography are also available. All fetuses with a diagnosis of congenital heart disease are also examined by a pediatric cardiologist from CMH to ensure an accurate diagnosis with the appropriate postnatal follow-up.

Patients undergoing gynecologic evaluation may be evaluated by vaginal probe, color Doppler velocimetry, and 3D ultrasound modalities. Sonohysteroscopy is also performed in select cases to better delineate the endometrial cavity. In addition, an ovarian cancer early detection program is offered at Northwestern to women at risk and includes vaginal ultrasound with Doppler flow in combination with a physical exam and blood tests.