Three-level view of fetal brain imaging in the prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies.

Abstract

To determine whether a systematic stream-lined approach could be routinely used in the evaluation of fetal intracranial anatomy. Nine thousand six hundred uncomplicated pregnancies were evaluated using a three-level view of fetal brain imaging. An axial scan, which passed through the level of the lateral ventricles, was first obtained. This was followed by a second view passing through the cavum septum pellucidum anteriorly, the thalami medially, and the 3rd ventricle centrally. Finally, a third view was made passing through the posterior fossa. Although the fetus had different presentations, we were able to fully image the fetal brain in all three levels in most cases. The intracranial anatomy could be scrutinized in most cases. Ninety-six percent of abnormal cases (126/133) were diagnosed using Levels I, II, or III independently or in combination. The three-level view provides a comprehensive and systematic sonographic approach to the evaluation of the fetal intracranial anatomy, and for the diagnosis of anomalous fetal brain development.