Ultrasonographic diagnosis of fetal cleft lip and palate during first-trimester (11-13 + 6 gestational weeks) / 中华超声影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the clinical value of prenatal ultrasound in diagnosis of fetal cleft lip and palate during first-trimester (11-13 + 6 gestational weeks). Methods:Ultrasonographic images were retrospectively selected from those fetuses who underwent first trimester scanning during July 2017 to June 2020 in the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Fetal facial mid-sagittal section and the retronasal triangle (RNT) section were combined together to evaluate whether the fetuses had cleft lip and palate (CLP) or not. All fetuses were followed up to birth or induced abortion.Results:A total of 5 520 fetuses were enrolled, with crown-rump length (CRL) between 45-84 mm. Seven cases of different types of CLP were detected by the 2 combined sections, including 4 cases with unilateral CLP, 1 case with median CLP, and 2 cases with bilateral CLP, which were confirmed by follow-up. In addition, 2 cases of isolated cleft lip (CL) were missed.Conclusions:Combination of fetal facial mid-sagittal section and RNT section is useful for the early diagnosis of fetal cleft lip and palate during first-trimester scanning.