STUDENT EXCELLENCE LITERATURE REVIEW

High resolution ultrasound has allowed increased definition and detailed study of the fetal thorax. From the second trimester, congenital anomalies arising from or involving the fetal chest can be visualized. Early detection and diagnosis of fetal intrathoracic abnormal-ities are rapidly becoming an integral part of modern obstetrical care and neonatal management. The potential exists to diagnose most intrathoracic anom-alies before the 20th week of pregnancy. Key words: thorax, fetal, diaphragmatic hernia, pulmonary hypoplasia, pleural effusion, ultrasound. Although multiple fetal anomalies may be present, fetal lung condition can be a major determinant of fetal viability. Early sonographic detection and assessment of fetal thoracic anom-alies are vital for the proper management of pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal treatment. The pleural, pericardial, and. peritoneal cavities are distinct by the second and third trimesters allowing in utero sonographic diagnosis of many pulmonary structural and functional conditions that influence fetal survivability and neonatal outcome. Pulmonary hypoplasia, pleural effusion, cystic adenomatoid malformation, pulmonary sequestra