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Two-Dimensional Ultrasound Evaluation of the Fetal Cerebral Aqueduct: Improving the Antenatal Diagnosis and Counseling of Aqueductal Stenosis.
- Source :
-
Fetal Diagnosis & Therapy . Dec2017, Vol. 42 Issue 4, p278-284. 7p. - Publication Year :
- 2017
-
Abstract
- <bold>Objective: </bold>To describe a technique for the visualization and measurement of cerebral aqueduct diameter through a 2D sagittal median plane, and to report its aspect and measurement in fetuses with aqueductal stenosis (AS).<bold>Methods: </bold>This was a cross-sectional study of 207 morphologically normal fetuses in low-risk pregnancies between 20 and 36 weeks of gestation. The cerebral aqueduct was visualized transvaginally in a midsagittal plane, and measurements of its greatest diameter (ampulla) were taken independently by an expert and a nonexpert sonographer. In addition, the aqueduct morphology from 7 fetuses with AS and complete follow-up were compared to the reference range.<bold>Results: </bold>Aqueductal measurements were obtained in 206 of 207 normal fetuses. Aqueductal growth occurred linearly with gestational age. Our method demonstrated excellent interobserver reproducibility. Among the 7 fetuses with AS, the aqueductal lumen could not be identified in 6 and had a funneling aspect in 1.<bold>Discussion: </bold>Our study demonstrated that it is possible to visualize and measure the cerebral aqueduct directly through a 2D ultrasound median plane. In fetuses with severe ventriculomegaly, the morphology and width of this structure could represent a relevant tool in improving AS diagnosis, differentiating it from other causes of significant ventricular dilation that carry a different outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 10153837
- Volume :
- 42
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Fetal Diagnosis & Therapy
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 126643324
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1159/000458439