Prenatal sonographic diagnosis findings and obstetric outcome of vasa previa: ultrasound in ten cases

Objective To assess the specificity, of sonograpbic diagnosis of vasa previa and pregnancy outcome in sonographically diagnosed cases. Methods We prospectively, collected cases of vasa previa diagnosed by color Doppler sonography. Delivery by elective Cesarean section after demonstration of fetal pulmonary maturity and prior to the onset of labor was recommended unless obstetric complications supervened. Data regarding maternal obstetric courses and newborn status were collected. Results Eleven cases of vasa previa without placenta previa were diagnosed among 33208 women over an 8-year period. Ten patients bad confirmation of the diagnosis by the delivering obstetrician and/or placental examination, giving a specificity of diagnosis of 91%. Among the 10 patients with confirmed vasa previa, two were delivered at 31.5 and 35.5 weeks' estation prior to demonstration of lung maturity, and the remainder were delivered at 34-37.5 weeks, after lung maturity. All infants had normal Apgar scores and survived. One baby bad Scimitar syndrome, which was not suspected from sonograph. Conclusions The specificity of sonograpbic diagnosis of vasa previa at our center was 91%. Antenatal diagnosis permitted us to prevent the catastrophic outcomes commonly associated with vasa previa.