Perinatology Expert Witness Discusses Failure to Diagnose Birth Defects in Utero

This case involves a missed diagnosis of multiple birth defects in utero. The perinatologist, working out of a clinic in Montana, misread multiple ultrasounds, and reassured the mother that the child was perfectly healthy and developing normally. However, on delivery it was discovered that the child was born with one kidney, hypospadia, and multiple other abnormalities. Since then, the child has undergone more than 100 surgeries over his brief life span and continues to need urgent care around the clock.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Is it imperative to visualize a stomach bubble on an ultrasound for a high-risk pregnancy? What are your initial thoughts?

Expert Witness Response E-005925

It is imperative to visualize the relevant organs on on ultrasound. If they are not visualized the patient should be brought back for another ultrasound attempt to visualize it. it's very unusual for a doctor to claim that a baby is developing normally if he or she has incomplete information from ultrasounds ect. and it may well be a breach in the standard of care that this was missed.