Size and Volume Charts for Fetal Adrenal Gland: A Prospective Study in Indian Population

Abstract

The fetal adrenal gland plays a pivotal role in perinatal survival. Because imaging the fetal adrenal gland is not part of routine antenatal ultrasonography (US), there is a paucity of available data about imaging techniques. The purpose of this study was to construct gestational age-wise data for fetal adrenal gland size and volume (2D US measurements) for 20, 21, 22 and 32 weeks of gestation and define a technique to measure the gland ultrasonographically. One year prospective study, at a single centre. 87 consecutive pregnant women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancy were included. Exclusion criteria were multiple pregnancy, maternal complications, congenital anomalies or fetal growth abnormality and a previous child suffering with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). All measurements were made in 2 dimensional ultrasonography. In coronal sections of the fetal abdomen, fetal adrenal glands were identified just above the upper pole of the kidney to measure length and breadth. With the fetal spine in an anterior position, fetal adrenals were identified on either side of the spine and the width was measured. The gestational age included was 20, 21, 22 and 32 weeks. Both fetal adrenal glands could be visualised and identified in all cases (100%). Length, breadth, width and volume of both the glands for the above gestational ages with 95% confidence limit have been calculated. Antenatal imaging of the fetal adrenal gland can be done by 2D US if indicated.