First AD

Second AD

What's your diagnosis based on these images in a first-trimester fetus?

The fetal jugular lymphatic sacs are distended bilaterally (see arrowheads). This is not a normal finding and is associated with increased nuchal translucency thickness and is also a marker for trisomy 21. Engorged jugular lymphatic sacs suggest abnormal lymphangiogenesis in this fetus.

Pregnancy and Birth

News

QUIZ: These images are of the jugular area in a first-trimester fetus. What do they tell you?

Image IQ: The Jugular