Prenatal detection of congenital idiopathic cataracts

Congenital cataracts can cause irreversible loss of sight unless surgery is performed soon after birth. In the case reported here an obstetric ultrasound detected congenital cataracts in an otherwise normal fetus without any history of familial syndrome, infection or metabolic disorder. The lens opacity was detectable on transabdominal ultrasound at 18 weeks' gestation and the appearance was unchanged near-term. An otherwise normal boy was delivered at term and underwent surgery in the first week of life. Prenatal detection of the cataracts by means of high quality obstetric ultrasound facilitated early surgery and preservation of sight.