The first Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Budapest, located in the prestigious Semmelweis University Medical School, was host to a short but intensive Symposium on Prenatal Diagnosis on 25/26 May 1991. It attracted speakers from the United States, Great Britain, Belgium, Spain, Germany and Yugoslavia, but there were also distinguished contributions from the home team. For a number of years now ultrasound has been the rising star of obstetrics and its wide ramifications in pregnancy management were well demonstrated by the presentations. Three-dimensional ultrasound, the ultrasound diagnosis of fetal lung maturity and the use of colour Doppler in fetal cardiology and for examining the fetal circulation were all described, in addition to the more familiar scanning for fetal malformations. It was good to learn that the Budapest Department has the latest colour Doppler equipment and that it also performs first trimester vaginal scanning - some beautiful embryosonography pictures were shown, documenting development from the earliest observable stages. The problem of differential diagnosis of fetal abnormality detected in utero was emphasised, as was the importance of pathological study of fetuses if a termination of pregnancy is carried out; the correct diagnosis is essential for proper counselling of the parents for future pregnancies. Prenatal diagnosis by chromosome studies, biochemical analysis and molecular genetics were not forgotten, and a temporary Hungarian emigrée to Boston presented her elegant research on immunological cytokines in pregnancy. This stimulating programme was judiciously brought together by Professor Zoltan Papp, the newly appointed Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology to the Department, formerly of Debrecen, and well known in many countries of Western Europe and North America. He contrived to enhance the proceedings by ensuring that visiting participants could also enjoy the sights of the beautiful city of Budapest. Equally memorable, however, was the warmth of the welcome and the friendliness of members of his department.
Derek Roberts