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Sequential analysis of the normal fetal fissures with three‐dimensional ultrasound: a longitudinal study
Author(s) -
Contro Elena,
Salsi Ginevra,
Montaguti Elisa,
Morganelli Giovanni,
Pilu Gianluigi,
Rizzo Nicola,
Bonasoni Paola,
Ghi Tullio
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
prenatal diagnosis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.956
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1097-0223
pISSN - 0197-3851
DOI - 10.1002/pd.4565
Subject(s) - fetal head , medicine , 3d ultrasound , fetus , sulcus , ultrasound , anatomy , nuclear medicine , radiology , pregnancy , genetics , biology
Objective To perform a sequential analysis of the main cortical fissures in normal fetuses using 3D ultrasound. Methods A cohort of patients with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies underwent three consecutive transabdominal scans at 19–21, 26–28 and 30–34 weeks. Volumes of the fetal head were acquired and searched in the multiplanar mode for the following cortical fissures: sylvian, parieto‐occipital, calcarine, hippocampus and cingulate. A qualitative analysis of these sulci was performed in each volume by an experienced operator (A) and a trainee (B). By placing the dot on the sulcus in one plane, it was evaluated whether it was visible also in other planes. Results Fifty patients were included in the study. At 19–21 weeks, the sylvian and parieto‐occipital sulci were visualized on at least one plane by both operators in all cases. At 26–28 weeks, all fissures were visualized by both operators on at least one plane, with no significant difference between the performances of the two operators. At 30–34 weeks, a mild overall decline in the accuracy of identification of all the cerebral fissures was observed. Conclusions 3D multiplanar mode allows a systematic evaluation of the cortical fissures in normal fetuses since midtrimester. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.