Learning objectives
Vasa previa is defined as aberrant fetal blood vessels crossing over or within 2 cm of the internal cervical os. These blood vessels are unprotected by the umbilical cord or placenta and run through the amniotic membranes¹.
There are two types of vasa previa. Type 1 occurs when abnormal fetal vessels connect a velamentous cord insertion to the main body of the placenta. Type 2 occurs when fetal vessels connect a bilobed placenta or a placenta with succenturiate lobe¹.
Vasa previa is a rare but...
Background
A retrospective data collection of 100 consecutive cases of mid trimester obstetric ultrasounds performed at our practice in March 2020 was done. Assessment of the study for saved images on PACS with a colour box over the lower uterine segment with internal os was performed.
Data was compiled and analysed with particular emphasis on documented evidence of assessment for vasa previa by the sonographer. We presented the data amongst the sonographers across our practices in November and December 2020.
Following the presentation of the findings...
Imaging findings OR Procedure details
Compliance/Performance rate of colour box assessment over the internal os by sonographers in mid-trimester ultrasound was assessed.In our initial audit the compliance rate was 50% which was improved to 88% in the -re-audit.
AUDIT (MARCH 2020)
RE-AUDIT (MARCH 2021)
COMPLIANCE RATE
50%
85%
Recommendations/Action Plan:Presentation of audit and re-audit findings and discussion regarding vasa previa has been performed in our department.To continue to improve our efficacy in assessment of vasa previa by regular discussion with sonographers and performing further re-audits.
Conclusion
Our study has shown improvement of 38% (from 50% to 88%) in compliance of the sonographers in assessment of vasa previa by raising awareness about the new guidelines and regarding the importance of diagnosis of vasa previa and impact on its management.
Personal information
F. Younis:
Nothing to disclose
References
https://radiopaedia.org/articles/vasa-praevia-1 Dr Yuranga Weerakkody◉et al.
AJOG article vasa previa.pdf Diagnosis and management of vasa previa, Society of Maternal-Fetal (SMFM) Publications Committee; Rachel G. Sinkey, MD; Anthony O. Odibo, MD, MSCE; Jodi S. Dashe, MD
ASA guidelines Vasa praevia diagnosis in the mid trimester ultrasound Ffion Humphries-Hart | Michael Bethune | Virginia Saxton