Accuracy of Ultrasonography at 11–14 Weeks of Gestation for Detection of Fetal Structural Anomalies

Abstract

Because of the natural history of fetal defects and the late development of some organ systems, a number of fetal malformations remain undetected by early ultrasonography.

Prenatal diagnosis of structuralmal formations and chromosome anomalies : Detection, influence of Body Mass Index and ways to improve screening

“…Most probably, the parents-to-be will also expect assessment of the anatomy of the fetus. It is possible to detect about 50% or more major malformations at 11-14 weeks of gestation (Rossi 2013). Further on, the majority of potentially lethal malformations like acrania, lethal skeletal dysplasia, megacystis, encephalocele and body stalk anomaly can be detected in the 11-14 week scan (Hildebrand 2010).…”

What is prenatal screening and why to do it?

“…A recent detailed large meta-analysis illustrated that although ultrasound examination between 11 and 14 weeks can detect about 50% of major structural defects, there are a significant number of major anomalies that cannot be detected until the second or even third trimester. 48 It is important that providers appropriately counsel patients who have early normal cffDNA regarding the limitations of those results and the benefits of further screening with an anatomy scan. Consideration may also be given to the use of serum screening for maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein which also serves as a marker for growth restriction, preeclampsia, and intrauterine fetal demise.…”

Prevalencia de hallazgos anormales en ecocardiogramas fetales en el Hospital Universitario de Santander, Bucaramanga (Colombia), 2007-2013

“…Los mejores resultados se obtienen entre la semana 18 y 22 de gestación (17,18), aunque hoy en día los nuevos equipos cuentan con mayor resolución, por lo que el examen se inicia a la semana 11 a la 14, donde se hace correlación con la translucencia nucal (TN) y el ductus venoso, siendo factor de riesgo para DCC tener una TN > percentil 95 o > 3,5 mm (19)(20)(21).…”