Dolores H. Pretorius, MD

Dolores H. Pretorius, MD, is a board-certified radiologist who specializes in fetal imaging and ultrasound imaging. As the director of fetal imaging at UC San Diego Health's Maternal-Fetal Care and Genetics, she performs ultrasound scans on expectant mothers to check for problems with fetal development or other problems during pregnancy. During fetal imaging examinations, Dr. Pretorius may make diagnoses that help guide treatment for a woman or her baby before and after birth. She also performs ultrasound examinations in adults and children.

Dr. Pretorius has been involved in obstetrical ultrasound research for more than 30 years, and her work has helped develop the field of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging. Her textbook, Diagnostic Ultrasound of Fetal Anomalies – Text and Atlas, which she coauthored in 2003, has been used as a reference worldwide. Her other current research interests include developing clinical applications for 3D ultrasound in obstetrics. Dr. Pretorius has also worked on the use of 3D ultrasound in areas such as measurement accuracy, interventional radiology and female pelvic floor.

She is widely published, having co-authored books, book chapters, abstracts and over 215 articles. Her articles have appeared in Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Pediatric Cardiology, Journal of Perinatology and the New England Journal of Medicine, among others. Dr. Pretorius serves on the editorial advisory board for Journal of Ultrasound Medicine and is a peer reviewer for numerous medical journals, including the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, among others. She frequently speaks at national and international medical conferences.

As a professor in the Department of Radiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine, she also instructs medical students, residents and fellows.

She completed a fellowship in body imaging at University of Colorado School of Medicine and a residency in radiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine. Dr. Pretorius earned her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. She is board-certified in diagnostic radiology.

Dr. Pretorius is a fellow of the American College of Radiology, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound. She is a member of numerous medical organizations, including the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Radiological Society of North America, among others.

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For more information, see Maternal-Fetal Care and Radiology.