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Fetal adrenal gland size in preeclamptic pregnancies with and without fetal growth restriction: an ultrasonographic assessment

Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To evaluate ultrasonographic measurements of the fetal adrenal gland in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia (PE), with and without fetal growth restriction (FGR), and to assess the utility of adrenal gland dimensions and ratios as potential diagnostic radiologic markers for PE. METHODS: This prospective study included pregnant women between 20 and 41 weeks of gestation followed at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital. Participants were divided into three groups: PE (n=63), PE+FGR (n=63), and healthy controls (n=65). Fetal adrenal gland total width and medulla width were measured via ultrasonography. The cortex width = (total width-medulla width) / 2 and the adrenal gland ratio (cortex width/medulla width) were calculated. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate differences between groups and to determine the predictive value of the adrenal gland ratio. RESULTS: Fetal adrenal gland total width (adrenal width), cortex width, and adrenal gland ratio were significantly increased in both the PE and PE+FGR groups compared to healthy controls (p<0.001). An adrenal gland ratio ≥2.8 was significantly associated with PE and PE+FGR (p<0.001), showing high diagnostic accuracy. The adrenal gland ratio was not correlated with gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal adrenal gland enlargement, particularly increased cortex width, is associated with preeclampsia and may serve as a noninvasive ultrasonographic biomarker. An adrenal glandthe ratio≥2.8 demonstrates strong diagnostic potential for identifying PE and PE+FGR, offering a valuable tool for early diagnosis and management.
DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2025-0248
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4416452133
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Cites: 16
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