FETAL HEMIVERTEBRA. LITERATURE REVIEW AND CLINICAL CASE

Abstract

Hemivertebra is a congenital anomaly of fetal development, one of the types of congenital scoliosis, when only part of the spine develops properly. Hemivertebra development is influenced by both genetic factors and maternal and pregnancy risk factors. This pathology may be isolated, but in rare cases it presents with one of the genetical syndromes. Several different organ systems can be affected, most commonly the urogenital, central nervous, and cardiovascular systems. This is why early diagnosis of congenital scoliosis in the prenatal period and a thorough fetal ultrasound examination of all organ systems is important. The prognosis of a hemivertebra may vary depending on the extent of the lesion, the rate of progression, and the intervention chosen. This publication provides a brief overview of the main aspects of the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, care and prognosis of hemivertebra and presents a clinical case of this pathology.