Methods. Sixty-one foetuses, terminated because of antenatal diagnosis of congenital malformations by ultrasound, were autopsied. The ultrasound diagnosis was compared with the diagnosis reached after autopsy.

Results, In 31 cases (51%) the autopsy provided additional findings. In 21 cases (34.4%), the autopsy changed the primary diagnosis. The revised diagnosis led to a change in the risk of recurrence in 18 cases (29.5%).

Conclusion; Genetic counselling depending solely on ultrasonographic foetal diagnosis may be erroneous. For appropriate genetic counselling, a detailed foetal examination should be carried out after termination in cases with ultrasonographically detected congenital malformations.