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The use of intrapartum ultrasound to diagnose


malpositions and cephalic malpresentations
Federica Bellussi, MD; Tullio Ghi, MD, PhD; Aly Youssef, MD, PhD; Ginevra Salsi, MD; Francesca Giorgetta, MD;
Dila Parma, CNM; Giuliana Simonazzi, MD, PhD; Gianluigi Pilu, MD, PhD

Introduction
Fetal malpositions and cephalic mal- Fetal malpositions and cephalic malpresentations are well-recognized causes of failure
presentations are found in about 10% to progress in labor. They frequently require operative delivery, and are associated with
of all pregnancies and continue to an increased probability of fetal and maternal complications. Traditional obstetrics
present a challenge for obstetricians. emphasizes the role of digital examinations, but recent studies demonstrated that this
They are well-recognized causes of approach is inaccurate and intrapartum ultrasound is far more precise. The objective of
failure to progress in labor, and usually this review is to summarize the current body of literature and provide recommendations
result in protracted or arrested to identify malpositions and cephalic malpresentations with ultrasound. We propose a
descent,1-6 an increasingly important systematic approach consisting of a combination of transabdominal and transperineal
dilemma of contemporary obstetrics.7- scans and describe the findings that allow an accurate diagnosis of normal and abnormal
14
They frequently require operative position, flexion, and synclitism of the fetal head. The management of malpositions and
delivery, and are associated with an cephalic malpresentation is currently a matter of debate, and individualized depending on
increased probability of fetal and the general clinical picture and expertise of the provider. Intrapartum sonography allows
maternal complications.3,4,6 Thus far, a precise diagnosis and therefore offers the best opportunity to design prospective
the diagnosis relied entirely on digital studies with the aim of establishing evidence-based treatment. The article is accom-
examination, which is notoriously panied by a video that demonstrates the sonographic technique and findings.
subjective and imprecise.15-21 Diffi-
culties in the prospective identification Key words: asynclitism, brow presentation, deep transverse arrest, dysfunctional labor,
contribute to creating uncertainties in dystocia, face presentation, fetal attitude, fetal malpositions, fetal malpresentations,
the management of these conditions. instrumental delivery, labor, obstructed labor, parturition, persistent occiput posterior,
Intrapartum sonography was recently sinciput presentation
reported to be an objective and accurate
diagnostic tool.15-21 However, except for
persistent posterior occiput, the subject nying the article. Furthermore, the We combined information from
of many studies, most available experi- approach to diagnosis is variable, as these articles with our own personal
ence with other abnormalities of ce- transabdominal, transperineal, and experience collected over a decade of
phalic position and presentation is based transvaginal sonography, or a combina- intensive use of ultrasound in labor.
on case reports and small series. The tion of methods, were used.16,17,20-23 The following discussion focuses on
sonographic technique and findings are The objective of this review is to the second stage of labor, as this is
also demonstrated in a video accompa- summarize the current body of liter- the most optimal time for the diag-
ature and provide recommendations nosis of malpositions and cephalic
to identify malpositions and malpresentations.
From the Departments of Obstetrics and cephalic malpresentations with ultra-
Gynecology at the University of Bologna, sound. The review was performed Technique of intrapartum
Policlinico S Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna (Drs
according to the Meta-analysis of sonography and findings of vertex
Bellussi, Youssef, Salsi, Giorgetta, Simonazzi,
and Pilu, and Ms Parma), and the University of Observational Studies in Epidemi- presentation with anterior occiput
Parma, Ospedale Maggiore, Parma (Dr Ghi), ology guidelines.24 We systematically Sonographic diagnosis of presentation
Italy. searched PubMed for the following and position in patients in labor with
Received June 24, 2017; revised July 17, 2017; terms: “malpositions,” “malpresenta- cephalic fetuses requires both a
accepted July 18, 2017. tions,” “occiput posterior,” “deep transabdominal and a transperineal43
The authors report no conflict of interest. transverse arrest,” “deflexed presenta- (also referred to as translabial)44
Corresponding author: Federica Bellussi, MD. tion,” “face,” “brow,” “sinciput,” and approach (Figure 1).17,28,44 Fetal po-
bellussi.federica@gmail.com “asynclitism” as related to “intra- sition is best assessed by identifying
0002-9378/$36.00 partum sonography.” the spine in the transabdominal scan
ª 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. The initial yield included 172 arti- and following its course to the
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2017.07.025
cles; 23 of these provided details on conjunction with the occiput, which
the methodology and findings of in anterior presentations is found be-
intrapartum sonography.5,17,21-23,25-42 tween 10.30-1.30 hours. Vertex

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posterior and transverse (Table 2).


FIGURE 1
Diagnosis is made at the time of de-
Sonography of vertex presentation with anterior occiput after livery because, in normal labor, the
engagement of fetal head fetal occiput is frequently directed
posteriorly or laterally in the first and
even early second stage of labor and
spontaneously rotates to an anterior
position later. In the largest available
sonographic studies, posterior and
lateral occiput were found, respec-
tively, in 33% and 37% of patients in
the first stage; 19% and 28% at full
dilatation; and 7% and 5% at
delivery.16,25,45
Persistent malpositions are a major
cause of prolonged or obstructed la-
bor, and are associated with operative
delivery and complications, including
perineal lesions, febrile morbidities,
and low 5-minute Apgar test
scores.2,6,42,46-50 Posterior occiput was
also associated with a 4-fold increase
A, Schematic representation of ultrasound technique to identify fetal position and presentation: in neonatal encephalopathy.51
transabdominal scan is first obtained to demonstrate spine and occiput (1), and transperineal scan is Clinical diagnosis is inaccurate and
then performed to identify cerebral midline echo (2). B, Schematic representation of direction of there is little doubt that sonography is
sagittal suture prior to internal rotation. C, Sonogram corresponding to section plane (1): wide angle the method of choice.15,18-21,52 Poste-
between fetal spine and occiput indicates normal flexion. D, Sonogram corresponding to section rior occiput is easily diagnosed with a
plane (2): following engagement and prior to internal rotation cerebral midline echo has angle of transabdominal scan oriented trans-
about 45 degrees to anteroposterior axis of maternal pelvis. versely above the pubic symphysis,
Bellussi. Intrapartum ultrasound diagnosis of malpositions and cephalic malpresentations. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017.
demonstrating that the fetal eyes are
oriented upwards (Figure 2).41 The
transperineal scan is usually less
informative in these cases. Attention
presentation is inferred by demon- when close to engagement, and it has to the details of intracranial anatomy
strating a wide angle between the been found that the larger the angle, allow the inference of the posterior
cervical spine and the occiput the greater the probability of a spon- position of the occiput by demon-
(occiput-spine angle) that reflects the taneous vaginal delivery.28 Rotation is strating brain structures such as the
flexion of the fetal head.28 The angle assessed clinically by palpating the atria of the lateral ventricles, but this
typically increases as the head de- sagittal suture. The midline of the requires specific knowledge of sonog-
scends into the maternal pelvis fetal brain is easily demonstrated with raphy of intracranial anatomy.53
(Table 1). It is on average 133 degrees sonography and is a convenient proxy Demonstrating the fetal eyes, which
of the sagittal suture. When the head remain visible above the pubic sym-
is engaged, the midline echo is best physis until late in the second stage,
seen in a transverse transperineal when the head is very close to be
TABLE 1 scan.44 In normal labor, the angle delivered, is far simpler. When the
Measurement of occiput-spinal formed between the midline of the occiput is posterior, head deflexion is
angle according to fetal station fetal brain and the anteroposterior not infrequent and has a major
Occiput-spine angle, axis of the maternal pelvis is most influence on the progress of labor.17
Station, cm mean – SD frequently close to 45 degrees at the Deflexion can be ruled out by
e3 118.7  11.0 time of engagement. Internal rotation, demonstrating in a longitudinal view
e2 126.0  8.76 inferred by an angle close to 0, usually of the fetal head that the chin is
occurs at a station of >3 cm.44 tucked on the chest (Figure 2).17
e1 133.8  8.3 The transverse position of the
Bellussi. Intrapartum ultrasound diagnosis of Cephalic malpositions occiput is best recognized by visual-
malpositions and cephalic malpresentations. Am J
Obstet Gynecol 2017. Cephalic malpositions include persis- izing the horizontal direction of the
tent vertex presentation with occiput midline of the fetal brain in a

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TABLE 2
Clinical and sonographic findings of fetal malpositions
Malposition Clinical examination Sonographic findings
Occiput posterior Posterior fontanelle is in posterior pelvis; Transabdominal scan: eyes are directed upwards; flexion is inferred
orientation of sagittal suture is variable by profile view of face demonstrating chin resting on chest;
fetal spine is in variable position
Transperineal scan: when head is engaged, in coronal scan
choroid plexuses diverge posteriorly; ovoid of fetal head is larger
towards hollow of sacrum, and in sagittal scan, third ventricle and
corpus callosum may be seen; orientation of midline is variable
Occiput transverse Sagittal suture is horizontal and fontanelles Transabdominal scan: fetal spine is often lateral; if head is not
are palpable laterally; if fetal head is in lower engaged, fetal eyes are directed laterally
pelvis, helix of fetal ear may be palpable Transperineal scan: horizontal direction of midline can be seen
below pubic symphysis when head in engaged
Bellussi. Intrapartum ultrasound diagnosis of malpositions and cephalic malpresentations. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017.

transverse scan. When the head is reported that knowing the position of and face presentation, in which the
engaged, the transabdominal the fetal spine facilitates manual head is partially or completely
approach is scarcely informative due rotation of the occiput.62 extended.3,4,6 Some authors recognize
to shadowing from the bones of the a third variety: sinciput presentation,
maternal pelvis, and a transperineal Deflexed presentations: sinciput, in which the fetus has a military atti-
approach is usually more effective brow, and face tude and the head is neither flexed or
(Figure 3).23 In normal labor, the fetal head un- extended (Figure 4 and Table 3). The
There is an ongoing debate around dergoes maximal flexion, forcing the clinical diagnosis relies on palpation of
the management of malpositions. The chin against the chest. Incomplete the leading parts, the anterior fonta-
discussion includes the role of flexion or extension results in nelle, the superior orbital ridge and
manual54-56 and instrumental2 rota- increased diameters of the presenting the mouth with sinciput, brow, and
tion of the fetal head, and maternal part, which in turn may lead to ceph- face presentation, respectively. With
positioning.57,58 Several studies alopelvic disproportion. Two types of the exception of face presentation,
suggest that manual rotation is asso- deflexed cephalic malpresentations the other types of deflexion are
ciated with a higher probability of are traditionally acknowledged: brow frequently misdiagnosed clinically
spontaneous vaginal delivery.55,56,59
However, interpreting the data is
difficult because experience with FIGURE 2
intrapartum sonography suggests that Sonography of vertex presentation with posterior occiput
most fetuses with a posterior or
transverse occiput at full cervical
dilatation will rotate spontaneously to
an anterior position during the second
stage. To our knowledge, only 1 ran-
domized controlled trial has been
published, but this was underpowered
to demonstrate the effect of the ma-
neuver.54 Two larger trials have been
announced and are ongoing at the
time of this writing.60,61 It is of in-
terest that sonography was found to
predict spontaneous anterior rotation.
In 1 study, fetuses with an anterior or
A, Schematic representation of ultrasound technique; transducer is initially positioned transversely in
lateral spine were more likely to rotate
lower maternal abdomen immediately above pubic symphysis (1) and is then rotated 90 degrees (2).
anteriorly than those with a posterior
B and C, Corresponding images obtained from scanning planes (1) and (2); eye directed upwards,
spine. Although the number of cases
and in profile view of face chin is seen resting on chest.
was small, the observation is Bellussi. Intrapartum ultrasound diagnosis of malpositions and cephalic malpresentations. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017.
intriguing.27 Recently, it was also

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There are no available data on the


FIGURE 3
probability of remission throughout
Sonography of vertex presentation with lateral occiput labor. In 1 small series, the association
between prolonged labor and deflexed
presentation always required cesarean
delivery.17

Asynclitism
Asynclitism is the malalignment of
the central axes of the fetal head
and maternal pelvis (Table 4). Anterior
asynclitism results from anterior tilting
of the head, and is by far the most
common variety. Posterior asynclitism,
which occurs with posterior tilting, is
A, Schematic representation after engagement of fetal head. B, Corresponding transperineal rare.5,30,32 Clinical diagnosis is based
sonogram demonstrating horizontal disposition of cerebral midline echo. on the palpation of the sagittal suture
Bellussi. Intrapartum ultrasound diagnosis of malpositions and cephalic malpresentations. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017.
in an asymmetrical position (Figure 7).
We are not aware of any precise data,
but the consensus is that the diagnosis
and ultrasound has been found to continuum and we argue that the is difficult and imprecise. The inci-
perform far better.17,34 sonographic measurement of the dence of asynclitism is unknown and
With an anterior occiput, the most occiput-spine angle may better the clinical implications are poorly
valuable sonographic finding is a describe the phenomenon. understood. Mild degrees of anterior
longitudinal view of the fetal trunk When the occiput is posterior, asynclitism are almost physiological
demonstrating the occiput-spine acoustic shadowing from the cranio- with a high station, and tend to resolve
angle.28 Close to engagement, the facial bones of the fetus prevents clear spontaneously with further descent.50
angle is usually >125 degrees, and visualization and measurement of However, the diameters of the pre-
smaller angles are associated with occiput-spine angle, but a qualitative senting cranium are increased and this
increased risk of obstructed labor.28 approach can be utilized.17 When the may result in or contribute
We also found that with face and head is flexed, the chin is seen resting to obstructed labor although, to our
brow presentations the angle is very on the chest. With deflexion, the chin knowledge, there are no clear-cut data.
small, usually in the range of 90 de- is separate from the chest, and the Posterior asynclitism, when persistent,
grees (Figure 5).31 Traditionally, cervical spine is curved anteriorly. The is virtually incompatible with engage-
diagnosis of deflexion was made by transperineal scan allows further ment except for very small fetuses.
palpating the presenting part, and was definition of the type of abnormal Different approaches have been pro-
therefore subdivided into discrete en- presentation (Figure 6). Visualization posed for the sonographic identifica-
tities. However, deflexion is a of the fetal eyes and of details of the tion of asynclitism.5,29,30,32,37-39
face at or below the level of the pubic Anterior and posterior asynclitism
symphysis has been described in occur at the entry of the fetal head into
fetuses with brow17,34 and face22,33 the birth canal and acoustic shadowing
FIGURE 4 presentations, respectively. from the maternal bones represent
Schematic representation of With the exception of very small a major obstacle. When the head
flexed and deflexed fetuses, persistent deflexed presenta- is engaged, we found that a trans-
presentations tion is a major obstacle to the progress perineal approach, demonstrating a
of labor. In practice, only fetuses with shift of the cerebral midline echo, is a
face presentation and an anterior chin simple and effective approach
can be consistently delivered vagi- (Figure 8).30,32,39
nally.3,4,6 The consensus is that vaginal Recently, it was suggested that
operations are contraindicated, with lateral asynclitism may also occur. In
the only possible exception being the handful of cases thus far
forceps application in a face presen- described, the sagittal suture was
Schematic representation of flexed (vertex) and tation with an anterior chin.6 In 1 identified in a lateral position and
deflexed (sinciput, brow, face) presentations. series, manual rotation of brow pre- sonography demonstrated marked
Bellussi. Intrapartum ultrasound diagnosis of malpositions
and cephalic malpresentations. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017.
sentation was frequently successful twisting of the fetal head.29,35
and resulted in vaginal delivery.63 Whether this is a separate entity or

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TABLE 3
Clinical and sonographic findings of deflexed presentations
Malpresentation Clinical examination Sonographic findings
Sinciput Anterior fontanelle is palpable in center of pelvis; Transabdominal scan: if occiput is anterior, main finding is decreased
direction of sagittal suture is variable OS angle (<125 degrees); if occiput is posterior, chin is distant from
chest and cervical spine is curved anteriorly
Transperineal scan: findings are similar to those described with flexed
posterior occiput
Brow Anterior fontanelle, supraorbital ridges, and root of nose Transabdominal scan: if occiput is anterior, main finding is decreased
are palpable vaginally, usually sagittal suture is not OS angle, usually around 90 degrees; if occiput is posterior, chin is
appreciated separate from chest and cervical spine is curved anteriorly
Transperineal scan: fetal orbits are seen at same level of pubic
symphysis, caput is on forehead
Face Mouth, nose, malar eminences, and orbital ridges are Transabdominal scan: if occiput is anterior, main finding is much
palpable; fontanelles and sutures are not appreciated decreased OS angle, usually <90 degrees; if occiput is posterior, chin
is separate from chest and cervical spine is curved anteriorly
Transperineal scan: fetal orbits are seen below pubic symphysis
OS, occiput-spine.
Bellussi. Intrapartum ultrasound diagnosis of malpositions and cephalic malpresentations. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017.

a more extreme form of either ante- comprehensive approach to sono- with abnormal flexion17,31 and asyn-
rior or posterior asynclitism is graphic diagnosis of malpositions and clitism29,30,32,37-40 is far more limited.
uncertain. cephalic malpresentations. The main A well-designed prospective study to
limitation is that most of the available evaluate the full potential of intra-
Comment studies focused on single abnormal- partum ultrasound to identify
Principal findings ities. Large series are available doc- abnormal position and presentation,
Intrapartum sonography allows a umenting the accuracy of ultrasound and the precise impact of these ab-
precise diagnosis of malpositions and in identifying abnormal posi- normalities on the progress of labor, is
cephalic malpresentations, and is far tion.15,16,18,20,26,52,64,65 The experience still lacking.
more accurate than the traditional
digital examination. A combination of
a transabdominal and a transperineal
scan allows for precise identification FIGURE 5
of the position of the fetal occiput, Sonography of deflexed cephalic presentation (face) with anterior occiput
and degree of flexion and rotation of
the head. We suggest that this is a step
forward. The success of the labor
process depends fundamentally on 4
major variables: the compliance of the
cervix, the strength and efficacy of
uterine contractions, the relative size
of the fetus and the maternal pelvis,
and the way the body of the fetus
engages the birth canal. We argue that
while none of the first 3 can be
assessed with precision, the last one
can be accurately diagnosed with
intrapartum sonography.

Strengths and limitations


The main strength of our study is that,
A, Schematic representation. B, Corresponding sonogram demonstrating sharp angle between
to our knowledge, this is the first
cervical spine and occiput.
time the available literature was sys- Bellussi. Intrapartum ultrasound diagnosis of malpositions and cephalic malpresentations. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017.
tematically reviewed to provide a

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ultrasound spanning more than a


FIGURE 6
decade, not all obstetricians
Sonography of deflexed cephalic presentation (brow) with posterior attending our labor ward master the
occiput technique. Providing intrapartum
ultrasound in any labor unit
would require a major organizational
and economic effort that is hard
to conceive at present, although in
the near future the increasing famil-
iarity of obstetric trainees with
sonography will probably be of help.
The second shortcoming is that,
once a malposition or a cephalic
malpresentation is recognized, the
decision-making process is not
straightforward. Improved diagnostic
accuracy does not necessarily imply
an improvement in the outcome.
Although the introduction of intra-
partum sonography has been
embraced by many as an important
step forward in the management of
labor,15,42,44,66-68 prospective studies
have not been encouraging thus far in
A, Schematic representation demonstrating scanning planes useful for diagnosis (1-3). B, Trans- terms of practical results. Ultrasound
abdominal scan oriented transversely immediately above pubic symphysis (1) reveals upward di- did not ameliorate the ultimate
rection of eyes. C, Transabdominal scan oriented at right angle from previous one (2) allows outcome of labor in 2 randomized
inference of deflexion by demonstrating distance between chest and chin as well as anterior cur- clinical trials,19,52 and in 1 study, the
vature of spine. D, Transperineal scan (3) reveals eye at same level as pubic symphysis suggesting incidence of operative deliveries
brow presentation; presence of caput on forehead is also demonstrated in this view. increased.52 At the heart of this issue
Bellussi. Intrapartum ultrasound diagnosis of malpositions and cephalic malpresentations. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017. is indeed the question: will improved
diagnosis of abnormal position/
presentation result in an unnecessary
Clinical implications Recognizing posterior occiput only increase in the cesarean delivery
We do envision 2 major limitations of requires a minimal level of compe- rate? Traditional obstetrics fore-
intrapartum sonography. First, it re- tence.65 Identifying and measuring grounds the recognition of malposi-
quires that sonographic equipment the occiput-spine angle, the angle of tions and cephalic malpresentations,
and personnel capable of operating it rotation, or visualizing deflexion in a but some have questioned the useful-
always be available in the labor ward. fetus with a posterior occiput is ness of a precise diagnosis in
The expertise required is variable certainly more demanding. Despite contemporary practice, and the debate
depending on the type of diagnosis. our keen interest in intrapartum is ongoing.52,69

TABLE 4
Clinical and sonographic findings of asynclitism
Malpresentation Clinical examination Sonographic findings
Anterior Sagittal suture is found posteriorly and leading Transabdominal scan: usually does not provide valuable information
asynclitism presenting part is anterior parietal bone Transperineal scan: when head is engaged, midline echo appears not
aligned with maternal pelvis, and anterior parietal bone is leading
presenting part
Posterior Usually head fails to engage; sagittal suture is found Transabdominal scan: usually does not provide valuable information
asynclitism anteriorly and leading presenting part is posterior Transperineal scan: midline echo is not aligned with maternal pelvis,
parietal bone and posterior parietal bone is leading presenting part
Bellussi. Intrapartum ultrasound diagnosis of malpositions and cephalic malpresentations. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017.

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FIGURE 7
Schematic representation of synclitic presentation, anterior asynclitism, and posterior asynclitism

Schematic representation of: A and B, synclitic presentation; C and D, anterior asynclitism; and E and F, posterior asynclitism. Red lines indicate
anteroposterior axis of upper pelvis.
Bellussi. Intrapartum ultrasound diagnosis of malpositions and cephalic malpresentations. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017.

We suggest that the value of intra-


FIGURE 8
partum sonography is mostly in
perspective, as a precise diagnosis is
Sonography of anterior asynclitism
the prerequisite for prospective
studies that may better elucidate
the clinical significance of malposi-
tions and cephalic malpresentations
and the implications for management.
It is obvious that the diagnosis
of these conditions should not lead
to a decision to intervene surgically.
Spontaneous conversion is known
to occur, and vaginal delivery is
possible in many cases. We do
not advocate the routine use of
ultrasound in labor with normal
progress. However, an accurate iden-
tification of abnormal position or A, Schematic representation. B, Transverse perineal scan was performed in this patient with prolonged
presentation can have important im- second stage and demonstrated shift in midline echo suggestive of mild anterior asynclitism; spontaneous
plications for the diagnosis and man- conversion ensued subsequently and spontaneous delivery occurred few minutes after sonogram.
agement of protracted or arrest Bellussi. Intrapartum ultrasound diagnosis of malpositions and cephalic malpresentations. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017.
disorders of labor.

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Conclusions 12. Son M, Roy A, Grobman WA. Attempted 25. Akmal S, Tsoi E, Howard R, Osei E,
We described a sonographic technique operative vaginal delivery vs repeat cesarean in Nicolaides KH. Investigation of occiput posterior
the second stage among women undergoing a delivery by intrapartum sonography. Ultrasound
that allows an accurate diagnosis of trial of labor after cesarean delivery. Am J Obstet Obstet Gynecol 2004;24:425-8.
malpositions and cephalic malpre- Gynecol 2017;216:407.e1-5. 26. Akmal S, Tsoi E, Nicolaides KH. Intrapartum
sentations. At present, the manage- 13. Ducarme G, Hamel JF, Sentilhes L. Pre- sonography to determine fetal occipital position:
ment of these conditions is dictors of shoulder dystocia at the time of interobserver agreement. Ultrasound Obstet
individualized, depending on other operative vaginal delivery. Am J Obstet Gynecol Gynecol 2004;24:421-4.
2017;216:624-5. 27. Blasi I, D’Amico R, Fenu V, et al. Sono-
clinical variables and provider exper- 14. Andrews SE, Alston MJ, Allshouse AA, graphic assessment of fetal spine and head
tise. But intrapartum sonography is Moore GS, Metz TD. Does the number of for- position during the first and second stages of
an invaluable tool to strengthen the ceps deliveries performed in residency predict labor for the diagnosis of persistent occiput
design of prospective studies with the use in practice? Am J Obstet Gynecol posterior position: a pilot study. Ultrasound
aim of establishing optimal evidence- 2015;213:93.e1-4. Obstet Gynecol 2010;35:210-5.
15. Akmal S, Kametas N, Tsoi E, Hargreaves C, 28. Ghi T, Bellussi F, Azzarone C, et al. The
based management recommendations Nicolaides KH. Comparison of transvaginal dig- “occiput-spine angle”: a new sonographic index
for a normal progression of labor. - ital examination with intrapartum sonography to of fetal head deflexion during the first stage of
determine fetal head position before instru- labor. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016;215:84.e1-7.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT mental delivery. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 29. Ghi T, Bellussi F, Pilu G. Sonographic diag-
2003;21:437-40. nosis of lateral asynclitism: a new subtype of fetal
Graphic art by Alessandro Meggio. 16. Akmal S, Tsoi E, Kametas N, Howard R, head malposition as a main determinant of early
Nicolaides KH. Intrapartum sonography to labor arrest. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol
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Glossary of terms
Malposition Fetal occiput is found either posteriorly or laterally in maternal pelvis
Cephalic malpresentation Leading presenting part is not vertex; includes sinciput, brow, and face presentation
Sinciput presentation Leading presenting part is bregmatic fontanel
Brow presentation Leading presenting part is forehead
Face presentation Leading presenting part is face
Asynclitism Axes of pelvis and fetal head are not aligned; includes anterior asynclitism (leading presenting part is anterior
parietal bone) and posterior asynclitism (leading presenting part is posterior parietal bone)

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