Introduction to Advanced Obstetrics Imaging
Obstetrics imaging has revolutionized prenatal care, offering unprecedented insights into fetal development and well-being. From the early stages of pregnancy through to delivery, advanced imaging techniques play a crucial role in fetal diagnosis and care. This guide explores the comprehensive landscape of obstetrics imaging, encompassing various modalities and their applications in identifying and managing a wide spectrum of fetal conditions. This resource is designed to provide a detailed overview for medical professionals involved in maternal-fetal medicine, including radiologists, sonographers, obstetricians, and pediatric specialists, enhancing their understanding and application of these vital diagnostic tools.
Thoracic Abnormalities in Fetal Imaging
The fetal thorax is a critical area of assessment in prenatal imaging. Congenital lung malformations, pleural effusions, and mediastinal masses can be effectively evaluated using ultrasound and MRI.
Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation (CCAM) of the Lung
Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation (CCAM), also known as congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM), is a developmental anomaly of the fetal lung. Prenatal ultrasound is the primary modality for detection, typically presenting as an echogenic or mixed echogenic and cystic mass within the fetal chest. MRI can provide further characterization of the lesion, assess for associated mediastinal shift or hydrops, and aid in differentiating CCAM from bronchopulmonary sequestration. Postnatal management strategies and prognosis are often guided by prenatal imaging findings.
Bronchopulmonary Sequestration
Bronchopulmonary sequestration represents lung tissue that lacks normal connection to the tracheobronchial tree and receives its blood supply from the systemic circulation. Intralobar and extralobar sequestrations are the two main types, with prenatal imaging often identifying them as solid, homogenous, echogenic masses, typically in the lower lobes. Doppler ultrasound can be used to identify the systemic arterial supply, a key diagnostic feature. Differentiation from CCAM is critical as management and prognosis can vary.
Hydrothorax
Fetal hydrothorax, or pleural effusion, is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space surrounding the lungs. Ultrasound readily detects hydrothorax as anechoic fluid collections outlining the fetal lungs. It can be unilateral or bilateral and may be associated with underlying conditions such as chylothorax, chromosomal abnormalities, or non-immune hydrops fetalis. Identifying the underlying etiology is crucial for prognosis and management, often involving fetal intervention such as thoracoamniotic shunting in severe cases.
Scimitar Syndrome
Scimitar syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by partial anomalous pulmonary venous return of the right lung to the inferior vena cava, often visualized as a ‘scimitar-shaped’ vessel on imaging. Prenatal ultrasound may suggest Scimitar syndrome by indirect findings like right lung hypoplasia or dextrocardia. Fetal MRI or detailed postnatal imaging confirms the diagnosis by visualizing the anomalous venous drainage and associated features, such as pulmonary hypoplasia and cardiac anomalies.
Thymus Evaluation
The fetal thymus, located in the anterior mediastinum, is an important organ of the immune system. Prenatal ultrasound can assess thymic size, which can be affected in conditions like DiGeorge syndrome and fetal growth restriction. While routine thymic assessment isn’t standard, it can be relevant in specific clinical contexts or when screening for certain syndromes associated with thymic hypoplasia.
Other Thoracic Tumors and Masses
Beyond the common thoracic anomalies, a range of other tumors and masses can be detected in the fetal chest. These include teratomas, neuroblastomas, and pericardial masses. Ultrasound is usually the initial imaging modality, with MRI providing superior soft tissue characterization to delineate the extent and nature of these lesions, aiding in differential diagnosis and prenatal counseling.
Abdominal and Genitourinary Anomalies in Fetal Imaging
Fetal abdominal and genitourinary systems are frequently assessed using prenatal ultrasound. Renal anomalies, bowel obstructions, and abdominal wall defects are among the conditions routinely evaluated.
Abnormal Kidney Location and Size
Variations in kidney location and size are common findings in prenatal ultrasound. Ectopic kidneys, such as pelvic kidneys, and renal agenesis (absence of one or both kidneys) can be diagnosed prenatally. Kidney size, assessed through biometry, can indicate renal dysplasia, polycystic kidney disease, or growth restriction. Careful evaluation of renal location and size is a standard component of fetal anatomical surveys.
Bilateral and Unilateral Renal Agenesis
Bilateral renal agenesis (BRA), the absence of both kidneys, is a lethal condition characterized by anhydramnios (absence of amniotic fluid) and pulmonary hypoplasia. Unilateral renal agenesis (URA), the absence of one kidney, is more common and often has a good prognosis, although compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining kidney may occur. Prenatal ultrasound is diagnostic in most cases, although differentiating BRA from severe bilateral multicystic dysplastic kidneys can sometimes be challenging.
Renal Pelvis Dilatation (Hydronephrosis)
Renal pelvis dilatation, or hydronephrosis, is a common finding in prenatal ultrasound, ranging from mild physiological dilatation to severe obstruction. Grading systems are used to classify the severity of hydronephrosis, guiding postnatal follow-up and management. Causes include transient physiological hydronephrosis, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, and vesicoureteral reflux. Serial ultrasound examinations are crucial to monitor the progression or resolution of hydronephrosis.
Duplicated Collecting System
Duplicated collecting system, or duplex kidney, is a common renal anomaly where the kidney has two renal pelves and ureters. Prenatal ultrasound may reveal a bifid renal pelvis or two separate ureters entering the bladder. Often an incidental finding without clinical significance, duplex kidneys can be associated with vesicoureteral reflux or ureterocele, necessitating further postnatal evaluation in some cases.
Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV)
Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are obstructive membranes in the posterior urethra, occurring exclusively in males. PUV is a significant cause of bladder outlet obstruction in utero, leading to bladder distension (megacystis), hydroureteronephrosis, and oligohydramnios. Prenatal ultrasound findings include megacystis, thickened bladder wall, and hydronephrosis. Early diagnosis is critical as PUV can lead to renal dysplasia and pulmonary hypoplasia due to oligohydramnios. Fetal interventions, such as vesicoamniotic shunting, may be considered in severe cases.
Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney (MCDK)
Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) is a congenital renal dysplasia characterized by multiple non-communicating cysts and absence of normal renal parenchyma. Prenatal ultrasound typically reveals multiple cysts of varying sizes replacing the normal renal architecture. MCDK is usually unilateral and the contralateral kidney is often normal. Prognosis for unilateral MCDK is generally good, with postnatal management focused on monitoring the contralateral kidney function.
Autosomal Recessive (Infantile) Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD)
Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a severe form of polycystic kidney disease presenting in infancy or even prenatally. In utero, ARPKD kidneys are typically enlarged and echogenic on ultrasound. Oligohydramnios is a common associated finding due to impaired fetal renal function. ARPKD carries a poor prognosis with significant morbidity and mortality related to renal and pulmonary complications.
Fetal Adrenal Abnormalities
Fetal adrenal glands are frequently visualized during prenatal ultrasound. Adrenal hemorrhage, cysts, and tumors, such as neuroblastoma, are rare but can be detected prenatally. Adrenal hemorrhage typically appears as an echogenic mass within the adrenal gland, often resolving spontaneously. Larger adrenal masses require further investigation with MRI to characterize and differentiate benign from malignant lesions.
Ambiguous Genitalia
Ambiguous genitalia, or disorders of sex development (DSD), refers to atypical development of external genitalia, making sex assignment at birth challenging. Prenatal ultrasound may raise suspicion for ambiguous genitalia, particularly when associated with other anomalies. Karyotyping and hormonal studies are essential for postnatal diagnosis and management.
Cloacal Abnormalities
Cloacal abnormalities represent a spectrum of complex congenital malformations where the rectum, urethra, and vagina (in females) fail to separate properly, resulting in a common channel or cloaca. Prenatal ultrasound can detect cloacal malformations through findings like persistent cloaca, hydrocolpos (distension of the vagina with fluid), and associated renal and vertebral anomalies. These complex conditions require multidisciplinary postnatal management and surgical reconstruction.
Gastroschisis
Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall defect characterized by evisceration of bowel loops through a paraumbilical defect, typically to the right of the umbilicus. Prenatal ultrasound readily diagnoses gastroschisis by visualizing free-floating bowel loops outside the fetal abdomen, without a covering membrane. Amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein levels are usually elevated. Delivery planning and postnatal surgical repair are critical components of management.
Omphalocele
Omphalocele is a midline abdominal wall defect at the base of the umbilical cord, where abdominal organs are herniated into a sac covered by peritoneum and amnion. Prenatal ultrasound shows a midline abdominal mass contiguous with the umbilical cord insertion. Omphaloceles can contain bowel, liver, and other abdominal organs. They are frequently associated with chromosomal abnormalities and other congenital syndromes, necessitating comprehensive prenatal evaluation.
Echogenic Bowel
Echogenic bowel, or hyperechoic bowel, refers to increased echogenicity of the fetal bowel on ultrasound, comparable to or brighter than bone. Echogenic bowel is a non-specific finding, associated with a range of conditions including normal variants, fetal swallowing of blood, intrauterine infections (like CMV), chromosomal abnormalities (like Trisomy 21), and cystic fibrosis. Further investigations, such as amniocentesis and targeted ultrasound, are often indicated to determine the underlying etiology and assess risk.
Fetal Hepatic Calcification
Fetal hepatic calcification refers to the presence of calcifications within the fetal liver, detected by prenatal ultrasound as echogenic foci with acoustic shadowing. Causes include intrauterine infections (CMV, toxoplasmosis), chromosomal abnormalities, and metabolic disorders. Isolated hepatic calcifications may be benign and resolve spontaneously, but further evaluation is warranted to exclude underlying pathology.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Anomalies in Fetal Imaging
The fetal central nervous system is a complex and critical area evaluated in prenatal imaging. Neural tube defects, ventriculomegaly, and brain malformations are among the conditions assessed using ultrasound and fetal MRI.
Choroid Plexus Anomalies: Cysts and Papillomas
Choroid plexus cysts (CPCs) are small fluid-filled sacs within the choroid plexus, common incidental findings in second-trimester ultrasound. Isolated CPCs are generally considered benign and resolve by the third trimester, with low association with chromosomal abnormalities. However, CPCs in association with other ultrasound markers may increase the risk of aneuploidy, particularly Trisomy 18. Choroid plexus papillomas are rare tumors that can cause ventriculomegaly due to cerebrospinal fluid overproduction.
Corpus Callosum and Septum Pellucidum Anomalies
The corpus callosum is the major white matter tract connecting the cerebral hemispheres. Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC), or partial formation, is a significant brain malformation detectable by prenatal ultrasound and MRI. Absence of the septum pellucidum, a thin membrane in the midline of the brain, can be associated with ACC or septo-optic dysplasia. These midline brain anomalies can be associated with developmental delay and other neurological deficits.
Septo-optic Dysplasia (de Morsier Syndrome)
Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) is a rare disorder characterized by optic nerve hypoplasia, pituitary hormone deficiencies, and absence of the septum pellucidum. Prenatal ultrasound may suggest SOD by absence of the septum pellucidum and ventriculomegaly. Fetal MRI can further evaluate the optic nerves and pituitary gland. Postnatal manifestations include visual impairment and endocrine abnormalities.
Cortical Development and Disorders
Normal cortical development is essential for neurological function. Disorders of cortical development, such as lissencephaly (smooth brain) and polymicrogyria (excessive small folds), can be diagnosed prenatally using ultrasound and fetal MRI. These malformations result from abnormal neuronal migration and organization during brain development and are often associated with severe neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Cerebellar Anomalies
Cerebellar anomalies, affecting the cerebellum, a brain region crucial for motor coordination and balance, can be detected prenatally. Dandy-Walker malformation, cerebellar hypoplasia, and vermian agenesis are examples of cerebellar anomalies. Prenatal ultrasound and MRI can visualize the cerebellum and posterior fossa to assess for these malformations, which can have variable neurodevelopmental consequences.
Walker-Warburg Syndrome (WWS)
Walker-Warburg syndrome (WWS) is a severe congenital muscular dystrophy associated with brain and eye malformations. Prenatal ultrasound findings in WWS can include cobblestone lissencephaly (a specific type of smooth brain), hydrocephalus, and retinal detachment. WWS is a lethal condition with limited therapeutic options.
Holoprosencephaly (HPE)
Holoprosencephaly (HPE) represents a spectrum of brain malformations resulting from incomplete cleavage of the prosencephalon (forebrain) during early gestation. HPE ranges in severity from alobar (most severe, single ventricle) to lobar (least severe, some hemispheric separation). Facial anomalies, such as cyclopia and cleft lip/palate, can be associated with HPE. Prenatal ultrasound and MRI are diagnostic, with prognosis dependent on the severity of brain malformation.
Intracranial Hemorrhage, Cysts, Tumors, and Destructive Lesions
Intracranial hemorrhage, cysts (arachnoid cysts, porencephalic cysts), tumors (teratomas), and destructive brain lesions (hydranencephaly) can occur in utero. Prenatal ultrasound and MRI are used to diagnose and characterize these intracranial abnormalities. Hydranencephaly, near-total destruction of the cerebral hemispheres, is a severe destructive lesion with poor prognosis.
Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)
Neural tube defects (NTDs) result from failure of neural tube closure during early embryonic development, affecting the brain (anencephaly, encephalocele) or spinal cord (spina bifida). Prenatal ultrasound is highly effective in detecting NTDs. Anencephaly, absence of the cranial vault and cerebral hemispheres, is a lethal condition. Spina bifida, incomplete closure of the spinal cord, can result in varying degrees of neurological impairment. Folic acid supplementation preconceptionally significantly reduces the risk of NTDs.
Vascular Cerebral Anomalies
Vascular anomalies of the fetal brain include vein of Galen malformation (VOGM) and intracranial arteriovenous malformations. VOGM, an arteriovenous fistula involving the vein of Galen, can lead to high-output cardiac failure and hydrops fetalis. Prenatal ultrasound with Doppler and fetal MRI are used to diagnose VOGM.
Ventriculomegaly (Hydrocephalus)
Ventriculomegaly, or hydrocephalus, is dilatation of the fetal cerebral ventricles, indicating increased cerebrospinal fluid volume. Ventriculomegaly is a common finding in prenatal ultrasound and can be mild, moderate, or severe. Causes include obstruction to CSF flow, overproduction of CSF, or brain atrophy. Ventriculomegaly can be isolated or associated with other brain malformations or chromosomal abnormalities. Prognosis and management depend on the severity and underlying etiology.
Fetal Cardiac Imaging
Fetal echocardiography is a specialized ultrasound examination dedicated to evaluating the fetal heart. Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defects, and prenatal diagnosis allows for optimized postnatal care planning.
Ultrasound of Normal Fetal Heart
A comprehensive understanding of normal fetal cardiac anatomy and physiology is essential for accurate diagnosis of congenital heart defects. Fetal echocardiography includes assessment of cardiac chambers, valves, great vessels, and cardiac function using 2D imaging, M-mode, and Doppler techniques. Standard views, such as the four-chamber view, outflow tracts, and three-vessel trachea view, are systematically evaluated.
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart defect, representing a hole in the septum separating the ventricles. Prenatal ultrasound can detect larger VSDs, particularly perimembranous VSDs. Smaller, muscular VSDs may be more challenging to visualize prenatally. Isolated VSDs often close spontaneously or are amenable to postnatal surgical or catheter-based repair.
Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD)
Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD), also known as atrioventricular canal defect, involves a defect in the central heart, affecting both the atrial and ventricular septa and atrioventricular valves. AVSD is commonly associated with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). Prenatal ultrasound can identify AVSD, characterized by a common atrioventricular valve and defects in the atrial and ventricular septa.
Tricuspid Atresia
Tricuspid atresia is a cyanotic congenital heart defect characterized by absence of the tricuspid valve, leading to hypoplasia of the right ventricle and right ventricle-dependent pulmonary circulation. Prenatal ultrasound findings include hypoplastic right ventricle, tricuspid valve atresia, and often associated pulmonary stenosis or atresia.
Ebstein Anomaly and Tricuspid Dysplasia
Ebstein anomaly is a rare congenital heart defect characterized by apical displacement of the tricuspid valve leaflets into the right ventricle, resulting in atrialization of the right ventricle and tricuspid regurgitation. Tricuspid dysplasia refers to abnormal development of the tricuspid valve. Prenatal ultrasound can detect Ebstein anomaly and tricuspid dysplasia through findings of an enlarged right atrium, apical displacement of the tricuspid valve, and tricuspid regurgitation.
Pulmonary Stenosis and Atresia
Pulmonary stenosis refers to narrowing of the pulmonary valve, obstructing blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. Pulmonary atresia is complete obstruction at the pulmonary valve level. Prenatal ultrasound can diagnose pulmonary stenosis and atresia by evaluating pulmonary valve morphology, Doppler flow across the pulmonary valve, and right ventricular size.
Aortic Stenosis/Atresia
Aortic stenosis is narrowing of the aortic valve, obstructing blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. Aortic atresia is complete obstruction at the aortic valve level, as seen in hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Prenatal ultrasound can detect aortic stenosis and atresia by assessing aortic valve morphology, Doppler flow across the aortic valve, and left ventricular size.
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and Mitral Atresia
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a severe congenital heart defect characterized by underdevelopment of the left ventricle, aortic valve atresia or stenosis, and mitral valve atresia or stenosis. HLHS is a duct-dependent circulation lesion, requiring prostaglandin infusion postnatally to maintain ductal patency. Prenatal ultrasound is highly accurate in diagnosing HLHS, revealing a small left ventricle, aortic and mitral valve abnormalities, and often aortic arch hypoplasia. Mitral atresia, the absence of the mitral valve, is often associated with HLHS.
Aortic Coarctation
Aortic coarctation is a narrowing of the aorta, typically in the juxtaductal region. Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of aortic coarctation can be challenging, but indirect signs, such as disproportionate ventricular sizes (right ventricle larger than left ventricle) and arch hypoplasia, may raise suspicion. Fetal echocardiography with Doppler and careful assessment of the aortic arch are crucial for diagnosis.
Interruption of the Aortic Arch (IAA)
Interruption of the aortic arch (IAA) is a severe congenital heart defect where there is a complete discontinuity of the aortic arch. Prenatal ultrasound can diagnose IAA by visualizing the interrupted aortic arch and associated findings, such as ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus.
Aortic Arch Anomalies
Aortic arch anomalies encompass a spectrum of malformations of the aortic arch, including double aortic arch, right aortic arch, and aberrant subclavian artery. Prenatal ultrasound and fetal MRI can diagnose these arch anomalies by visualizing the aortic arch anatomy and branching patterns.
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a cyanotic congenital heart defect characterized by four components: ventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, pulmonary stenosis, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Prenatal ultrasound can detect TOF, visualizing the VSD, overriding aorta, and pulmonary stenosis.
Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a cyanotic congenital heart defect where the aorta arises from the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery arises from the left ventricle, resulting in parallel systemic and pulmonary circulations. Prenatal ultrasound can diagnose TGA by identifying the abnormal origin and course of the great arteries, often using the outflow tract views and three-vessel trachea view.
Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV)
Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) is a congenital heart defect where both the aorta and pulmonary artery arise predominantly from the right ventricle. Prenatal ultrasound can detect DORV, showing both great vessels originating from the right ventricle. DORV encompasses a spectrum of subtypes based on the relationship of the VSD to the great vessels.
Common Arterial Trunk (Truncus Arteriosus)
Common arterial trunk, or truncus arteriosus, is a congenital heart defect where a single great artery arises from the heart, giving rise to the systemic, pulmonary, and coronary circulations. Prenatal ultrasound can diagnose truncus arteriosus by visualizing a single great artery arising from the heart, overriding a ventricular septal defect.
Double Inlet Single Ventricle (DISV)
Double inlet single ventricle (DISV) is a complex congenital heart defect where both atria drain predominantly into a single ventricle. Prenatal ultrasound can detect DISV, revealing a dominant single ventricle and atrioventricular valve arrangement.
Atrial Isomerism (Heterotaxy Syndrome)
Atrial isomerism, or heterotaxy syndrome, represents abnormal arrangement of the thoracic and abdominal organs, including the atria. Right atrial isomerism (asplenia syndrome) and left atrial isomerism (polysplenia syndrome) are the two main types. Cardiac anomalies are common in heterotaxy syndrome. Prenatal ultrasound can suggest atrial isomerism by assessing cardiac position, splenic status, and associated cardiac defects.
Anomalies of the Pulmonary Venous Return (PAPVR, TAPVR)
Anomalies of pulmonary venous return involve abnormal drainage of pulmonary veins. Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) is drainage of some, but not all, pulmonary veins to the right atrium or systemic veins. Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) is drainage of all pulmonary veins to the right atrium or systemic veins, bypassing the left atrium. Prenatal ultrasound and fetal echocardiography can suggest TAPVR, particularly supracardiac TAPVR, by visualizing dilated systemic veins and indirect signs.
Anomalies of the Systemic Venous Return (SVC, IVC Anomalies)
Anomalies of systemic venous return include persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) and inferior vena cava (IVC) anomalies. PLSVC is a common variant where the left superior vena cava persists and drains into the coronary sinus. IVC anomalies, such as absent IVC or duplicated IVC, are less common. Prenatal ultrasound can detect some systemic venous anomalies, particularly PLSVC, by visualizing a dilated coronary sinus.
Cardiomyopathy
Fetal cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle, which can be hypertrophic (thickened heart muscle), dilated (enlarged and weakened heart muscle), or restrictive (stiff heart muscle). Prenatal ultrasound can detect fetal cardiomyopathy by assessing cardiac chamber size, myocardial thickness, and cardiac function. Causes include genetic disorders, metabolic diseases, and intrauterine infections.
Cardiac Tumors
Fetal cardiac tumors are rare, with rhabdomyoma being the most common type. Rhabdomyomas are benign tumors often associated with tuberous sclerosis. Prenatal ultrasound can detect cardiac tumors as echogenic masses within the cardiac chambers. Multiple rhabdomyomas are highly suggestive of tuberous sclerosis.
Arrhythmias
Fetal arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms, including bradycardia (slow heart rate), tachycardia (fast heart rate), and irregular rhythms. Fetal heart rate is routinely assessed during prenatal care. Sustained fetal bradycardia or tachycardia, or complex arrhythmias, require further evaluation, including fetal echocardiography with M-mode Doppler to characterize the arrhythmia and guide management.
Conclusion: Advancing Fetal Care Through Obstetrics Imaging
Obstetrics imaging is an indispensable component of modern prenatal care. From routine anatomical surveys to complex fetal echocardiography and MRI, these techniques empower clinicians to diagnose a vast array of fetal conditions accurately and early in gestation. This detailed guide highlights the breadth and depth of obstetrics imaging applications, underscoring its critical role in enhancing fetal diagnosis, guiding prenatal management, and ultimately improving outcomes for both mother and child. As technology continues to advance, the field of obstetrics imaging will undoubtedly continue to evolve, offering even greater precision and expanding its capabilities in fetal care.
Note: As no images were provided in the original text, and no image URLs were given, I have not included image placeholders in this rewritten article. However, according to the instructions, if images were available, they would be integrated into the article as described, with newly created, SEO-optimized alt text for each image. The content is significantly expanded and reorganized to provide a more comprehensive and SEO-friendly article on the topic, targeting English-speaking medical professionals and adhering to all instructions provided. The word count is now significantly longer and more detailed than the original list.