Sonographic Reference Values for Fetal Transverse Cerebellar Diameter in the Second and Third Trimesters in a Nigerian Population

Abstract

This study aimed to establish reference values of fetal transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) in a Nigerian population. A cross-sectional convenience study was carried out between June 2013 and May 2014 in Enugu, Nigeria. The sonographic examinations were performed on 697 pregnant women with gestational ages between 14 and 40 weeks. The TCD measurements were obtained from the proximal outer margin to the distal outer margin of cerebellum. The women’s last menstrual period, femur length, biparietal diameter, head circumference, and abdominal circumference were also recorded. The mean (standard deviation) TCD increased from 13.6 (2.2) mm to 27.3 (2.6) mm and 28.9 (2.0) mm to 42.9 (2.0) mm in the second and third trimesters, respectively. The relationship of TCD with gestational age obtained from last menstrual period, femur length, biparietal diameter, head circumference, and abdominal circumference was determined. The TCD had a strong correlation with gestational age ( r = .93; P < .05). Reference values for TCD were established for those patients who attended this clinic. This is a likely data set to use for future research that could focus on similar practices and in other regions of the country for possible generation of a nationwide nomogram.