HEMIVERTEBRAE FETAL ULTRASOUND

BY DR NAIMA AIJAZ

In this clip, there appears to be a jammed or possibly fused vertebra (likely a hemivertebra), giving the impression of a missing vertebra. This may be due to early gestational age and limited ossification, which can make evaluation of individual vertebrae more challenging.

Findings are suggestive of a vertebral segmentation anomaly, such as a hemivertebra, rather than a true absence of a vertebral body. Further evaluation with follow-up imaging later in gestation or postnatally (X-ray or MRI) is recommended for clearer assessment of vertebral anatomy and spinal alignment.