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Ultrasound, Genetics and Fetal and Neonatal Care Center (FNCC)

Dr. Longman with Patient

The Section of Ultrasound, Genetics, and the Fetal and Neonatal Care Center (FNCC) at the University of Chicago, led by Section Chief Ryan Longman, provides advanced diagnostic imaging services for women and girls of all ages. Our team of highly trained physicians, sonographers, and genetic counselors specializes in gynecologic imaging and genetic counseling, offering expert care in evaluating and diagnosing a wide range of conditions and concerns. Using state-of-the-art ultrasound technology, we deliver accurate results to guide care plans for our patients.

Our experts utilize advanced ultrasound techniques to evaluate gynecologic and obstetric health concerns, including transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds. Common conditions and symptoms we address include abnormally heavy or postmenopausal uterine bleeding, irregular or absent periods (amenorrhea), and pelvic pain (acute, intermittent, or chronic). Additionally, we diagnose and manage gynecologic conditions such as endometriosis, infertility or subfertility (reduced fertility), ovarian masses and pelvic cysts, uterine anomalies, including müllerian duct anomalies, and uterine fibroids.

Ultrasound plays a crucial role in prenatal care, helping to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby. Common applications include pregnancy dating, multiple pregnancy diagnoses (twins, triplets, etc.), and fetal anatomy surveys, which are detailed scans typically performed between 18 and 20 weeks. We also provide Biophysical Profile (BPP) testing, which includes fetal heart rate assessment through nonstress testing (NST). Our team conducts diagnostic ultrasounds for specialized purposes such as amniocentesis to test for chromosomal disorders and neural tube defects, Doppler imaging to evaluate blood circulation, and nuchal translucency (NT scan) to assess for Down syndrome or fetal heart defects. For patients seeking additional detail, we offer optional 3D and 4D imaging to provide enhanced views of fetal development.

We offer expert imaging and care for pregnancies complicated by conditions such as abnormal placentation, fetal anomalies, molar pregnancies, and pregnancies of unknown locations, including ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. Our specialists also use ultrasound to diagnose and manage fertility and contraception-related issues, including infertility evaluations and intrauterine device (IUD) displacement.

Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound offers advanced precision and detailed views of pelvic organs and fetal anatomy. This technology enables our experts to assess and map lesions and abnormalities within the uterus and other pelvic structures, providing information inaccessible through traditional two-dimensional (2D) imaging.

At the University of Chicago, we provide unparalleled gynecologic and obstetric ultrasound services with urgent same-day appointments, immediate communication of urgent results, timely reporting, and follow-up visits within one week. We offer consultation and care coordination as needed and have multiple convenient locations throughout Chicagoland. Our commitment to patient-centered care ensures everyone receives comprehensive, high-quality services tailored to their needs. Patients and referring providers can trust our expertise, advanced technology, and dedication to excellence in women’s health care by choosing the University of Chicago for ultrasound services.

Dr. Ryan Longman

Ryan Longman, MD

Chief, Section of Ultrasound, Genetics and FNCC

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology