ABSTRACT
Hemivertebrae are rarely diagnosed prenatally, probably because of the low prevalence and the relatively difficult ultrasound diagnosis. Most cases have a good prognosis, but consideration should be given to the diagnosis of VATER (vertebral, anal, tracheo-(o)esophageal, (o)esophageal, renal) or VACTERL (as above, plus cardiac, limb) associations. Kyphosis (exaggerated hump) and scoliosis (lateral deformity) may be diagnosed prenatally as isolated abnormalities. Occasionally they may be associated with spina bifida, body stalk abnormality, and skeletal dysplasias.
