Management of vaginoplasty canal complications.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Increasing uptake of gender affirming surgery has allowed for a wider breadth of publication examining complications associated with vaginoplasty. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of complications associated with vaginoplasty procedures, focusing on intraoperative, early postoperative, and delayed postoperative complications across different surgical techniques. RECENT FINDINGS: Intraoperative complications such as bleeding, injury of the rectum, urethra and prostate, and intra-abdominal injury are discussed, with insights into their incidence rates and management strategies. Early postoperative complications, including wound dehiscence, infection, and voiding dysfunction, are highlighted alongside their respective treatment approaches. Moreover, delayed postoperative complications such as neovaginal stenosis, vaginal depth reduction, vaginal prolapse, rectovaginal fistula, and urinary tract fistulas are assessed, with a focus on their etiology, incidence rates, and management options. SUMMARY: Vaginoplasty complications range from minor wound issues to severe functional problems, necessitating a nuanced understanding of their management. Patient counseling, surgical approach, and postoperative care optimization emerge as crucial strategies in mitigating the impact of complications. Standardizing complication reporting and further research are emphasized to develop evidence-based strategies for complication prevention and management in vaginoplasty procedures.

Expanding the phenotypic spectrum of MPDZ gene variants: A case report with prenatally detected Dandy-Walker malformation and single ventricle heart.

A 19-year-old gravida underwent genetic counseling at the 26th week of gestation due to sonographically detected fetal anomalies, including Dandy-Walker malformation, characterized by cerebellar vermis hypoplasia and an enlarged cisterna magna, and single ventricle heart. Following amniocentesis at the 27th week, after the normal quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction and chromosomal microarray results, trio clinical exome sequencing was performed, revealing a novel homozygous pathogenic variant in the MPDZ gene, c.4576G>T (NM_001378778.1). So far, homozygous and compound heterozygous variants in MPDZ have been strongly linked to congenital hydrocephalus type 2 with or without accompanying brain or eye anomalies. The reported variant, absent in control databases, resulted in premature termination of protein synthesis, consistent with pathogenicity predictions. Both parents were identified as heterozygous carriers. Pregnancy termination was chosen post-diagnosis. Postmortem findings correlated with prenatal ultrasound. Our case broadens the prenatal phenotypic spectrum associated with MPDZ variants, necessitating further studies for comprehensive understanding of molecular mechanisms beneath the clinical manifestations.

Non-Coding RNAs in Preeclampsia-Molecular Mechanisms and Diagnostic Potential.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Defects in trophoblast invasion, differentiation of extravillous trophoblasts and spiral artery remodeling are key factors in PE development. Currently there are no predictive biomarkers clinically available for PE. Recent technological advancements empowered transcriptome exploration and led to the discovery of numerous non-coding RNA species of which microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are the most investigated. They are implicated in the regulation of numerous cellular functions, and as such are being extensively explored as potential biomarkers for various diseases. Altered expression of numerous lncRNAs and miRNAs in placenta has been related to pathophysiological processes that occur in preeclampsia. In the following text we offer summary of the latest knowledge of the molecular mechanism by which lnRNAs and miRNAs (focusing on the chromosome 19 miRNA cluster (C19MC)) contribute to pathophysiology of PE development and their potential utility as biomarkers of PE, with special focus on sample selection and techniques for the quantification of lncRNAs and miRNAs in maternal circulation.

Screening performances of abnormal first-trimester ductus venosus blood flow and increased nuchal translucency thickness in detection of major heart defects.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the screening performances of abnormal ductus venosus (DV) blood flow for the detection of heart defects in chromosomally normal fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT) thickness at 11-13 + 6 weeks' gestational in a population of singleton pregnancies. METHODS: During an 8-year period, all singleton pregnancies from 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks were scanned for NT and DV blood flow assessment. Two groups of cases with abnormal NT were evaluated: NT ≥ 95th and NT ≥ 99th centile. DV waveforms were considered to be abnormal if the a-wave was reversed or absent (R/A). RESULTS: Addition of DV R/A a-wave to either NT ≥ 95th or NT ≥ 99th percentile increased specificity (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), but not screening performances in detection of major heart defects (p = 0.73 and p = 0.91, respectively). Combination of DV R/A a-wave with NT ≥ 95th or NT ≥ 99th centile correlated with right heart defects (p = 0.024 and p = 0.013, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In chromosomally normal fetuses, addition of abnormal DV a-wave to increased NT does not improve screening performances of NT in detection of major hearts defects in first trimester. However, there is correlation of such parameter with right heart defects and AV septal defects.

Isolated Male Epispadias Repair: Long-Term Outcomes.

Isolated male epispadias is one of the most severe congenital genital anomalies that require surgical correction. The goals of the surgery are to reach good aesthetic and functional outcomes. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the long-term outcomes of surgical reconstruction of male epispadias. A total of 31 patients with a mean age of 17 years, who underwent surgical repair of isolated male epispadias from January 2000 to January 2015, were involved. The main outcome measures were defined as: aesthetic outcome, continence, postoperative complications, sexual function, and quality of life. The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 23 years, with an average of 14.4 years. Each patients underwent an average of 2.2 surgical procedures in this period. The most common postoperative complications were urethral fistula and residual curvature, in 22.6% and 12.9%, respectively. Satisfactory aesthetic outcome was reported in 71.4% of cases. The repair of male epispadias usually includes more than two procedures with satisfactory aesthetic outcome. Unsolved urinary incontinence remains a significant issue and has a high impact on the quality of life. Follow-up should be extended even after complete sexual maturity. Comprehensive long-term evaluation is necessary for proper treatment of isolated epispadias.

Expression of miRNAs and proinflammatory cytokines in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Altered microRNAs (miRNAs1) and cytokines expression levels are associated with several pregnancy-induced complications. We evaluated the profile of circulating miRNAs (miR-17, miR-29a and miR-181a) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-17) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM2), as well as their potential use as GDM biomarkers. The case-control study included 65 pregnant women divided into 2 groups - GDM and control. Expression levels of miRNAs in plasma samples and cytokines mRNA isolated from peripheral blood buffy coat were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR3). Significant miR-29a downregulation was found in GDM compared to the control group, and was even more significant after adjustments for covariates. miR-17 and miR-181a expression levels did not differ between the examined groups. Expression levels of IL-1ß were significantly higher in GDM group compared to controls, while TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17 did not show significant changes in expression between the two groups. As jugded from the ROC curve analysis, miR-29a and IL-1ß had a significant capacity to discriminate between CG and GDM. Additionally, a positive correlation was established between IL-1ß and TNF-α in the GDM group. GDM appeared to be associated with altered levels of miR-29a and IL-1ß making them markers of this condition.

Combined NGS approaches identify mutations in the intraflagellar transport gene IFT140 in skeletal ciliopathies with early progressive kidney Disease.

Ciliopathies are genetically heterogeneous disorders characterized by variable expressivity and overlaps between different disease entities. This is exemplified by the short rib-polydactyly syndromes, Jeune, Sensenbrenner, and Mainzer-Saldino chondrodysplasia syndromes. These three syndromes are frequently caused by mutations in intraflagellar transport (IFT) genes affecting the primary cilia, which play a crucial role in skeletal and chondral development. Here, we identified mutations in IFT140, an IFT complex A gene, in five Jeune asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (JATD) and two Mainzer-Saldino syndrome (MSS) families, by screening a cohort of 66 JATD/MSS patients using whole exome sequencing and targeted resequencing of a customized ciliopathy gene panel. We also found an enrichment of rare IFT140 alleles in JATD compared with nonciliopathy diseases, implying putative modifier effects for certain alleles. IFT140 patients presented with mild chest narrowing, but all had end-stage renal failure under 13 years of age and retinal dystrophy when examined for ocular dysfunction. This is consistent with the severe cystic phenotype of Ift140 conditional knockout mice, and the higher level of Ift140 expression in kidney and retina compared with the skeleton at E15.5 in the mouse. IFT140 is therefore a major cause of cono-renal syndromes (JATD and MSS). The present study strengthens the rationale for IFT140 screening in skeletal ciliopathy spectrum patients that have kidney disease and/or retinal dystrophy.

Autism spectrum disorder and Coffin-Siris syndrome-Case report.

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disorders characterized by deficits in social communicative skills and the occurrence of repetitive and/or stereotyped behaviors. Coffin-Siris syndrome (CSS) is classically characterized by aplasia or hypoplasia of the distal phalanx or nail of the fifth and additional digits, developmental or cognitive delay of varying degrees, distinctive facial features, hypotonia, hirsutism/hypertrichosis, and sparse scalp hair. In this study, we present a detailed description of autistic traits in a boy diagnosed with CSS and further discuss their genetic backgrounds. Case description: An 8-year-old boy with ASD, congenital anomalies, and neurological problems had been diagnosed with Coffin-Siris syndrome after genetic testing. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous de novo pathogenic variant (class 5) c.1638_1647del in the ARID1B gene that is causative of Coffin-Siris syndrome but also other intellectual disability (ID)-related disorders, including autism. Tests that preceded the diagnoses, as well as congenital anomalies and developmental issues, were further described in an attempt to better present his phenotype. Conclusion: Both autism and ARID1B-related disorders are on a spectrum. This report points out the importance and necessity of further research regarding the genetic backgrounds of these disorders to understand their complex etiology.

Small supernumerary marker chromosomes in prenatal diagnosis-molecular characterization and clinical outcomes.

Introduction: Small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMCs) are infrequent findings in prenatal diagnostics, however they pose a great challenge for prenatal genetic counseling. Methods: We report prenatal 12 sSMC cases detected in a single center during 10 years period, their molecular characterization by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or chromosomal microarray (CMA). Those cases were found among 9620 prenatal diagnostic analyzes by GTG-banding technique. In selected cases, additional UPD testing was also done. Results: Incidence of sSMCs in our study was 0.12%. sSMC characterization was done by FISH in 9 cases, in the remainder of three CMA was employed. The most common sSMC shape was centric minute, followed by inverted duplication and one case with ring conformation. sSMCs originating from acrocentric chromosomes (chromosomes 14, 21 and 22), sex chromosomes (X, Y) and non-acrocentric autosomal chromosomes (chromosome 4 and 18) were confirmed in 3 cases each; no result could be obtained in 3 further cases. Discussion: No anomalies were detected by prenatal ultrasound in any of the cases. In 58% of the cases, outcome was reported as normal at birth, while anomalies at birth were described in one case. Only two patients opted for pregnancy termination. Preterm labor occurred in case of twin pregnancy resulting in stillbirth and early neonatal death of twins. Overall, our study highlights the importance of a sSMC characterization by molecular cytogenomic methods in order to make appropriate genotype-phenotype correlations and ensure adequate genetic counseling.

Improved diagnostic accuracy by using secondary ultrasound markers in the first-trimester screening for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 and Turner syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a combination of parameters at first-trimester screening for fetal aneuploidies, including ultrasound assessment of the nasal bone (NB), blood flow in the ductus venosus (DV) and flow across the tricuspid valve. METHODS: Screening for aneuploidy was carried out in 4172 singleton pregnancies between January 2006 and December 2010. Diagnostic accuracy of combined screening [inclusive of maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness and maternal serum free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A] and of secondary ultrasound markers [NB, tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and Doppler studies of the DV] obtained at the same visit was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: The individual areas under the ROC curves of NT, NB, DV or TR ranged between 0.7 and 0.8, representing acceptable discrimination. The area under the ROC curve of combined first-trimester screening was 0.87, whereas the addition of secondary ultrasound markers increased the area under the curve to 0.92, which represents excellent discrimination. At a risk cutoff of 1 : 275, the detection rate for aneuploidy increased from 87% to 92% (z statistic = 1.78, P = 0.076), and the false positive rate decreased from 5.3% to 4.8%. CONCLUSION: The addition of secondary ultrasound markers (NB, DV and TR) to combined first-trimester screening showed a tendency toward improved accuracy of the screening.

Telomere fragility in radiology workers occupationally exposed to low doses of ionising radiation.

Ionising radiation damages DNA directly and indirectly through increased production of reactive oxygen species. Although telomeres have been reported as indicators of radiosensitivity, their maintenance in response to occupational exposure to low radiation doses is still a matter of debate. In this work we aimed to investigate telomere length and structure in hospital workers occupationally exposed to X-rays and to relate these findings to oxidation of biomolecules and chromosome aberrations. Blood samples of exposed participants and matching controls were taken during periodical check-ups. Chromosome aberrations and telomere length and structure were analysed in peripheral blood lymphocytes using Q-FISH, whereas oxidative stress parameters [pro/antioxidant balance (PAB), lipid peroxidation, and 8-oxo-dG] were measured in plasma samples. Based on the CA findings we divided the exposed group into two subgroups, of which one had chromosome aberrations in the first division metaphases and the other did not. There was no significant difference in telomere length between any of the groups. However, both subgroups showed significantly higher rate of fragile telomeres and higher lipid peroxidation product and 8-oxo-dG levels than controls. The rate of fragile telomeres significantly correlated with plasma levels of 8-oxo-dG, which suggests that continuous exposure to low radiation doses induces oxidative base damage of guanine resulting in telomere fragility.

Fanconi anemia is characterized by delayed repair kinetics of DNA double-strand breaks.

Among patients with bone marrow failure (BMF) syndrome, some are happened to have underlying Fanconi anemia (FA), a genetically heterogeneous disease, which is characterized by progressive pancytopenia and cancer susceptibility. Due to heterogeneous nature of the disease, a single genetic test, as in vitro response to DNA cross-linking agents, usually is not enough to make correct diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether measuring repair kinetics of radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) can distinguish Fanconi anemia from other BMF patients. An early step in repair of DSBs is phosphorylation of the histone H2AX, generating gamma-H2AX histone, which extends over mega base-pair regions of DNA from the break site and is visualised as foci (gamma-H2AX foci) with specific antibodies. The primary fibroblasts, established from FA patients, were exposed to gamma-rays, a dose of 2 Gy ((60)Co), incubated for up to 24 hours under repair-permissive conditions, and assayed for the level of gamma-H2AX foci and apoptosis at different recovery times after the treatment. Cell lines originating from FA patients displayed a significant delay in the repair of radiation-induced DNA DSBs relative to non-FA bone marrow failure (non-FA BMF) and control cell lines. The delay is especially evident at recovery time of 24 hours, and is seen as about 8-fold increase of residual gamma-H2AX foci compared to self-state before irradiation. The delay in repair kinetics of FA cells represents the unique feature of FA cellular phenotype, which should be exploited to distinguish FA cellular phenotype.

Long-term Culture of EBV-induced Human Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines Reveals Chromosomal Instability.

To preserve material for future genetic studies, human B-lymphocytes from whole blood samples are routinely transformed into lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) by in vitro infection with Epstein-Barr virus. To determine the rate and frequency of chromosomal changes during long-term culture, we established 10 LCLs (from eight individuals). Before transformation, these cases showed a normal karyotype (three cases), a small supernumerary marker chromosome (three cases), or an aberrant karyotype (four cases). Chromosome analyses were performed at 8-week intervals over a period of at least 1 year, up to 3 years. Surprisingly, we demonstrate that chromosomal instability is the rule, rather than the exception, during long-term culture of LCLs. The most commonly observed acquired clonal aberration was trisomy 12, which emerged in all cell lines within 21 to 49 weeks after infection. Telomeric fusions indicating telomere shortening were found after ~21 weeks. After 1 year of cultivation, the proportion of cells with the original karyotype decreased to ≤10% in 7 of the 10 cell lines. To preserve cells with aberrant genomes, we conclude the cultivation time of LCLs must be restricted to the absolute minimum time required.

Psychosexual Functioning Outcome Testing after Hypospadias Repair.

Self-confidence plays an important role in both genders' sexual functioning. Lack of genital self-esteem may have negative effects on psychosexual development, especially in males, where deviations from a standardized normal penile appearance can lead to inhibitions in entering into sexual relationships. The aim of our study was to evaluate the informativeness of studied domains of the Global Sexual Functioning (GSF) questionnaire and sexual functioning of patients surgically treated in childhood for different types of hypospadias. We evaluated 63 males with hypospadias and 60 healthy age- and gender-matched controls. The GSF questionnaire was used to estimate psychosexual function as a long-term follow-up after the surgical correction of hypospadias in the patient and control groups. Sexual activity (p = 0.017), arousal (p = 0.033) and orgasmic abilities (p = 0.002) values were significantly increased in patients. Strong correlation was noticed between sexual activity and sexual desire (R = 0.872); arousal and sexual desire (R = 0.753), as well as orgasmic and erectile abilities (R = 0.769). Different domains of psychosexual functioning in the patient group correlated with each other to various degrees, resulting in a heterogeneous expression of psychosexual dysfunctions, implicating the necessity of a personalized treatment approach.

Combined presence of coagulation factor XIII V34L and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 4G/5G gene polymorphisms significantly contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss in Serbian population.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a heterogeneous condition affecting up to 5% of women of reproductive age. Inherited thrombophilia have been postulated as one of the causes of RPL. Here we examined the prevalence of nine thrombophilic gene polymorphisms among women with history of recurrent miscarriages and fertile controls. METHODS: The study included 70 women with history of at least three early pregnancy losses and 31 fertile controls with no miscarriages. We investigated mutations in genes responsible for clotting and fibrinolysis, including factor V (FV) Leiden, FV H1299R, factor II (FII) G20210A, methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C, factor XIII (FXIII) V34L, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G and endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) H1 and H3 haplotypes using reverse polymerase chain reaction ViennaLab cardiovascular disease StrippAssays. RESULTS: Our results showed no significant increase in prevalence of tested polymorphisms in women with RPL. However, relative risk for PRL among women heterozygous for FXIII V34L was 2.81 times increased (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.15-6.87, P=0.023). Haplotype analysis showed that combined presence of high-risk genotypes for FXIII and PAI-1 significantly increases risk for RPL (OR 13.98, CI 95% 1.11-17.46, P=0.044). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in Serbian population that investigated prevalence of FVR2, A1298C, FXIII V34L and EPCR gene variants. Compound heterozygosity for FXIII V34L and PAI-1 4G is significant risk factor for recurrent miscarriage. Our results should be viewed in context of small case-control study, so further large prospective studies are need for confirmation of our findings.

Placenta-specific plasma miR518b is a potential biomarker for preeclampsia.

INTRODUCTION: MicroRNAs have a significant role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Circulating microRNAs could represent a potential biomarker for preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma miR210-3p and miR518b in preeclampsia and healthy pregnancy for the first time by digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). METHODS: Thirty-six pregnant women (seventeen healthy pregnancies, nineteen preeclampsia patients) were involved from the Clinic for Gynaecology and Obstetrics "Narodni front" in Belgrade, Serbia. Plasma miR210-3p, miR518b and cel-miR-39 as a spike-in control were measured by ddPCR. RESULTS: MiR518b was significantly elevated in preeclampsia compared to a healthy pregnancy (P = 0.034; 0.302(0.217-0.421) vs. 0.171(0.110-0.266)). MiR210-3p showed no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.951). The adjustment of miR518b was made for a gestational age and smoking status and the difference between the preeclampsia and healthy pregnancy group was more significant (P = 0.026; 0.300(0.216-0.419) vs. 0.172(0.121-0.245)). Plasma miR-518b was significantly higher in the group of preeclampsia patients with proteinuria above the 75th percentile for the group (P = 0.033), in women who smoked (P = 0.039), and was positively related to uric acid in preeclampsia (P = 0.018, r = 0.536). Plasma miR518b was able to significantly discriminate between preeclampsia and healthy pregnancy, yielding AUC of 0.712 (95%CI:0.539-0.891), P = 0.028. CONCLUSIONS: In this study plasma microRNA were measured for the first time in preeclampsia and healthy pregnancies with ddPCR. Placenta-specific miR-518b could serve as a potential biomarker for discriminating preeclampsia and healthy pregnancy, which should be confirmed on a larger study population. This study has failed to confirm the same potential for miR210-3p.

Prenatal diagnosis of Pallister-Killian syndrome in young woman: ultrasound indicators and confirmation by FISH.

We report the first case of Pallister-Killian syndrome diagnosed prenatally in Western Balkan region where one of the ultrasound markers was intrauterine growth restriction. During routine ultrasound control of the pregnancy at 21st gestation week (second pregnancy of the 25 year old woman) symmetrical intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), short long bones, ventriculomegaly and oligoamnion were noted. Amniotic fluid was examined cytogenetically. Fetal karyotype obtained by GTG banding of amniocytes revealed mosaic female karyotype 46,XX/47,XX,+mar (F-like). C-banding indicated that F-like marker does not belong to F, E or G chromosomal group. Employing targeted FISH with arm-specific probe for chromosome 12, tetrasomy 12p was confirmed. Fetal lymphocytes revealed normal female karyotype. This case showed that i(12p) could be found in pregnancy of young woman, not only in those of advanced age, as usually reported in the literature. This case also showed that intrauterine growth restriction could be one of the ultrasound markers associated with Pallister-Killian syndrome.

Potential of Gentiana lutea for the Treatment of Obesity-associated Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Obesity, diabetes, and associated diseases are increasing all over the world, and pose a great burden on public health. According to the latest reports, 440 million people are suffering from diabetes. Diabetes is caused by impaired ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin consequently resulting in hyperglycemia. METHODS: Data used for this review was obtained by using PUBMED/MEDLINE (1987-2018). The main data search terms were: Gentiana lutea, Gentiana lutea extract, Gentiana lutea constituents, obesity, diabetes mellitus, diabetic complications. RESULTS: In the present review, we describe the potential of root powder of yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea) for the prevention of obesity and diabetes including complications related to this disease. CONCLUSION: Reasonably effective, low-cost alternatives could fulfill an important role for a large part of the human population and could be of great value for the food market. Even a modest reduction of morbidity and mortality with respect to this disease translates into millions of lives saved.

Metoidioplasty.

Gender affirmation surgery for transmale patients is still challenging, as creation of the neophallus is one of the most demanding steps in surgical treatment. Metoidioplasty, as a one-stage procedure, can be considered in patients who desire gender affirmation surgery without undergoing a complex, multistage procedure with creation of an adult-sized neophallus. Metoidioplasty presents one of the variants of phalloplasty for patients in whom the clitoris is large enough under testosterone treatment. Advanced urethral reconstruction provides low complication rates with satisfying results of standing micturition.

Screening performance of congenital heart defects in first trimester using simple cardiac scan, nuchal translucency, abnormal ductus venosus blood flow and tricuspid regurgitation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze if the addition of simple cardiac scan in cases with increased nuchal translucency (NT) and/or abnormal ductus venosus (DV) blood flow, and/or tricuspid regurgitation (TCR) can improve detection of congenital heart defects (CHD) in chromosomally normal fetuses without non-cardiac defects at 11-13 + 6 gestational weeks in a population of singleton pregnancies. METHODS: During the 10 years period, all singleton pregnancies at 11-13 + 6 weeks were routinely scanned for NT, DV blood flow and TCR assessment and, if a single of these parameters was abnormal, simple cardiac scan with 2D gray scale and color and/or directional power Doppler in 4-chamber (4-CV) and 3 vessel and trachea views (3VTV) was performed. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of NT ≥ 95th + DV R/A a-wave + TCR in detecting CHD were 77% and 97%, respectively, and of simple cardiac scan, 67% and 98%, respectively. Area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic curve of NT ≥ 95th + DV R/A a-wave + TCR was 0.838, and of NT ≥ 95th + DV R/A a-wave + TCR + simple cardiac scan was 0.915. CONCLUSIONS: In chromosomally normal fetuses without non-cardiac anomalies, addition of simple cardiac scan to the combined first trimester screening parameters improves detection of major CHD during first trimester.