Assessment of Fetal Thymus Size in Small for Gestational Age and Growth Restricted Fetuses

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the fetal thymus size by sonography in healthy, small for gestational age (SGA), and fetal growth restriction (FGR) pregnancies and investigate if there is a difference between healthy fetuses and those with growth restriction. Study Design: The thymic-thoracic ratio (TTR), transverse diameter, and perimeter of the fetal thymus were prospectively measured in SGA and FGR pregnancies between the gestational ages of 20 and 37 weeks and compared with healthy controls. Fetal abdominal circumference (AC) or estimated fetal weight (EFW)