Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 1, Issue 9 361-365, Copyright © 1982 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
The relationship of fetal transverse body diameter and biparietal diameter in the diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation
B. H. Gross, P. W. Callen and R. A. Filly
Department of Radiology, University of California Medical Center, San Francisco 94143.
This study evaluates the relationship of fetal transverse body diameter and
biparietal diameter in the diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation
(IUGR). Criteria were formulated which result in 68 per cent sensitivity
and 69 per cent specificity for diagnosing IUGR. The sensitivity is
comparable to that achieved with other sonographic modalities, and there
are important advantages as well. This method does not depend on accurate
identification of the last menstrual period, and does not require serial
studies. The anatomy for the necessary measurements is readily obtained and
reproducible. Subtraction is the only calculation involved. Determination
of the relationship of fetal transverse body diameter and biparietal
diameter is recommended as a simple screening test for IUGR.
