The use of modern ultrasound tridimensional techniques for the evaluation of fetal cerebral midline structures – a practical approach.

Abstract

Fetal central nervous system midline structures represent an essential landmark for the confirmation of normality or for the identification of severe pathology. The ultrasound examination of the fetal brain using modern 3D techniques allows the crea- tion of high sensitivity reconstructions. The facility of 3D volume acquisition permits the identification of corpus callosum, median septum, cavum septi pellucid and cerebellar vermis even in difficult cases. The examination should rely on both static (3D) and dynamic acquisition (4D). The use of a practical ultrasound protocol in clinical settings ensures the visualization of the midline cerebral structures in the vast majorities of fetuses. In selected cases MRI can be performed.