I can diagnose CHAOS during a detailed prenatal ultrasound. As I examine your baby, I look for specific signs that suggest the upper airway is blocked. Because fluid produced by your baby’s lungs cannot escape, it builds up inside the airways, causing the trachea and bronchi to become enlarged. I also carefully assess the lungs, which may appear unusually large and bright on ultrasound, and evaluate the diaphragm, which can become flattened or even curve downward due to the increased pressure. In addition, I’ll examine your baby’s heart, which may appear compressed because of the enlarged lungs, and I may observe unusual breathing movements as your baby attempts to breathe against the airway blockage.
To better understand the condition, I may also recommend a fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. MRI provides detailed images that help me determine the exact location and extent of the airway obstruction while ruling out other conditions that may look similar on ultrasound. By combining ultrasound and MRI findings, I can make the most accurate diagnosis, carefully plan your pregnancy and delivery, and work with a multidisciplinary fetal therapy team to ensure that you and your baby receive the most advanced, personalized care possible.