Brain Characteristics of Open Spina Biifda on Ultrasound at 11-13+6 Weeks of Gestation / 中国医学影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Purpose To explore the clinical value of ultrasound in charactering brain anomalies in open spina bifida at 11-13+6 weeks of gestation.Materials and Methods Abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound was performed in 125 cases of normal fetus and 4 cases of confirmed open spina bifida at 11-13+6 weeks of gestation to compare the morphology of intracranial translucency (IT), diencephalon and midbrain.Results Fetal IT was readily recognized in all 125 normal cases, with diencephalons and midbrain showing number 8 shape. In 4 cases of open spina bifida, fetal IT cannot be identified, and the expected 8 shape of diencephalon and midbrain was distorted.Conclusion Fetal brain characteristics including intracranial translucency and the shape of diencephalon and midbrain in 11-13+6 weeks gestation are valuable ultrasound screening indicators for open spina bifida.