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Intrauterine sonographic measurement of the embryonic brain mantle
Author(s) -
Tanaka H.,
Hata T.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1002/uog.6305
Subject(s) - diencephalon , cerebrum , medicine , midbrain , anatomy , thalamus , mantle (geology) , radiology , biology , central nervous system , paleontology
Objective To evaluate embryonic brain mantle measurements using intrauterine sonography in the early first trimester. Methods In 85 women about to undergo therapeutic termination at 6–11 weeks' gestation we studied the embryonic brain mantle using a specially developed 20‐MHz, flexible, catheter‐based, high‐resolution, real‐time, miniature (1.8 mm in outer diameter) ultrasound transducer. Thickness of the embryonic brain telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon and rhombencephalon was measured. Results We found a linear relationship between gestational age and telencephalon thickness ( R 2 = 51.9%, P < 0.0001), diencephalon thickness ( R 2 = 62.2%, P < 0.0001), mesencephalon thickness ( R 2 = 59.2%, P < 0.0001) and rhombencephalon thickness ( R 2 = 47.8%, P = 0.0043). There was also a linear relationship between crown–rump length and telencephalon thickness ( R 2 = 55.0%, P < 0.0001), diencephalon thickness ( R 2 = 59.6%, P < 0.0001), mesencephalon thickness ( R 2 = 55.0%, P < 0.0001) and rhombencephalon thickness ( R 2 = 52.3%, P = 0.0025). Conclusions Embryonic brain mantle measurements by intrauterine sonography are feasible, although the invasive nature of this technique limits its usefulness in routine clinical practice. It is possible, however, that further improvement in the resolution of transvaginal sonography will allow accurate and reproducible non‐invasive imaging of embryonic brain mantle development in the near future. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.