What is a targeted review?
A targeted review is a dedicated ultrasound examination that focuses on a specific system or particular finding that emerged in previous tests, pregnancy follow-up, or medical referral. Unlike a routine systems survey, which examines body systems broadly, a targeted review emphasizes thorough and precise clarification of a specific clinical question - for example: a finding in the fetal brain, heart, kidneys, skeleton, face, abdominal wall, amniotic fluid volume, growth, or placental and umbilical cord structure. During the examination, a detailed assessment of the relevant area or system is performed, incorporating measurements, dedicated sections, and sometimes Doppler or three-dimensional imaging, according to medical need and gestational week. The examination is particularly suitable when there is a need for an additional opinion, clarification of a finding's significance, monitoring changes over time, or planning further investigation and pregnancy follow-up.
At the clinic, the targeted review is performed with a thorough, calm, and personal approach, using advanced high-resolution ultrasound equipment. Throughout the examination, clear and detailed explanations are provided, aimed at helping parents understand the finding, its possible significance, and the next steps.
Who is suitable for a targeted review?
Targeted review is suitable for women who have been referred following a finding in a previous ultrasound examination, abnormal or borderline results, suspected anatomical finding, need for follow-up of a specific organ, or desire to receive additional assessment by a specialist in fetal medicine.
Why perform a targeted review?
When a question arises regarding a specific finding, it is important to perform a focused and thorough assessment by a doctor with experience in the relevant field. A targeted review allows for diagnostic precision, distinguishing between normal variants and significant findings, and providing parents with clearer and more confident information for the continuation of pregnancy.
Common clinical conditions
When is a targeted review required?
Dr. Hark performs targeted reviews in various conditions requiring focused and thorough attention.
- Suspected brain hemorrhage
- Suspected infection with brain involvement
- Large/small head circumference
- Large/small head circumference
- Large/small head circumference
- Findings in the face, heart, spine or chest
- Face
- Heart
- Spine
- Chest and lungs
- Diaphragm
- Additional internal organs according to the finding
- Findings in kidneys and urinary tract
- Renal pelvis dilatation
- Suspected urinary tract obstruction
- Enlarged bladder
- Missing kidney
- Ectopic kidney
- Kidney cysts
- Suspected abnormal kidney structure
- Findings in the digestive system or abdominal wall
- Dilated bowel loops
- Echogenic bowel
- Suspected digestive system obstruction
- Liver finding
- Absent gallbladder
- Suspected abdominal wall defect
- Suspected long bone shortening
- Suspected club foot
- Extra or missing fingers
- Findings in hands or feet
- Suspected skeletal deformities
- Suspected spinal structure problem
- Low-lying placenta or placenta previa
- Placental finding
- Abnormal blood vessels
- Umbilical cord structure variations
- Single umbilical artery
- Polyhydramnios
- Oligohydramnios
- Growth restriction or suspected fetal growth problems
- Need for Doppler blood flow assessment
- Need for monitoring placental function
- Abnormal screening test
- Abnormal or inconclusive NIPT
- Genetic chip with significant finding
- Exome with relevant finding
- Abnormal result in chorionic villus sampling
- CMV
- Toxoplasmosis
- Other infections during pregnancy
- Assessment as needed: brain, liver, intestines, placenta, amniotic fluid, fetal growth
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Autoimmune diseases
- Taking certain medications
- Special exposures during pregnancy
- Maternal medical conditions requiring focused fetal assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about targeted review
A targeted scan is usually required based on a referral from an obstetrician, geneticist or genetic counselor. The referral usually comes after a suspicious finding in a morphology scan, serological test, or following a genetic test that revealed a finding requiring sonographic verification
At Life Inside clinic, you can also come on your own initiative, but it is recommended to arrive with relevant medical documentation. Previous test results, physician summary, or findings from a previous scan. This information allows Dr. Charak to perform the examination in the most targeted and efficient way.
The duration of the targeted scan depends on the type of examination and complexity of the finding. Usually the examination lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, including consultation time before and after.
In case of a finding, Dr. Harkh explains the clinical significance clearly and sensitively, and refers to appropriate care providers — geneticist, pediatric cardiologist, fetal neurologist or any relevant specialist. The written summary is forwarded to the referring physician, and you can always contact us for additional questions even after the examination.
Schedule a targeted review with Dr. Ron Hark
Life Inside clinic offers advanced ultrasound examinations in a warm and professional environment. Dr. Harkh will be happy to answer any questions and tailor the examination to your specific needs.