Role of fetal ultrasound in prenatally diagnosed de novo balanced translocations

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate fetal ultrasonographic findings in cases of prenatally diagnosed de novo balanced translocations and the role of fetal ultrasound in prenatal genetic counseling. Materials and Methods: We collected cases with de novo balanced translocations that were confirmed in chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, and cordocentesis between 1995 and 2016. A detailed, high-resolution ultrasonography was performed for prediction of prognosis. Chromosomes from the parents of affected fetuses were also analyzed to determine whether the balanced translocations were de novo or inherited. Results: Among 32,070 cases with prenatal cytogenetic analysis, 27 cases (1/1,188 incidence) with de novo balanced translocations were identified. Fourteen cases (51.9%) showed abnormal findings, and the frequency of major structural anomalies was 11.1%. Excluding the major structural anomalies, all mothers who continued pregnancies delivered healthy babies. Conclusion: Results of a detailed, high-resolution ultrasound examination are very important in genetic counseling for prenatally diagnosed de novo balanced translocations.