Feasibility of Fetal Proximal Lateral Cerebral Ventricle Measurement

Abstract

Objectives Measuring the posterior horn of the lateral ventricle in the fetus during ultrasound scans may be challenging. We aimed to examine this measurement feasibility, in relation to gestational age. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted, including nonanomalous fetuses, in which both lateral ventricles measured less than 10 mm during anomaly scans. The measurements were performed according to the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines. Success rate of measuring both ventricles was assessed at different gestational ages. Association between lateral ventricle width with contralateral ventricle width, gender, gestational age, and fetal head position were assessed. Results A total of 156 cases were recruited. The lateral ventricle distal to the probe was measured in all cases. In 10 cases proximal lateral ventricle could not be adequately measured (failed proximal ventricle measurement group). In 146 scans both ventricle measurements were available. All 10 cases of failed proximal ventricle measurement were in third trimester (30–38 weeks). Success rate of measurement of both ventricles was 100%, 96.2%, 71.4%, and 37.5% for gestational week 14–29, 30–32, 33–35, and 36–38, respectively (P <.001). Proximal lateral ventricle width was strongly associated with the distal ventricle width (B = 0.422, 95% confidence interval 0.29, 0.555, P <.001), but not with head position, fetal gender, or gestational age. Conclusions Measurement of the proximal lateral ventricle is feasible in most cases, even during late third trimester scans. Efforts should be made to visualize both ventricles in every evaluation of the fetal brain.

A Clinical Approach to Semiautomated Three-Dimensional Fetal Brain Biometry—Comparing the Strengths and Weaknesses of Two Diagnostic Tools: 5DCNS+TM and SonoCNSTM

“…An exact qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the lateral ventricles (e.g., overall appearance, echogenicity of the ventricular wall and width of the posterior horn (Vp)) is recommended in national and international guidelines [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ] to rule out anomalies like an enlargement of the ventricles (ventriculomegaly), a common hint for underlying CNS malformations [ 33 ]. Asymmetric ventricles as well as abnormal cerebellar shape and size and general arrangement of the posterior fossa may also refer to additional CNS abnormalities and necessitate a detailed neurosonogram [ 34 ]. The automatic reconstruction of the transcerebellar plane readily enables both the accurate measurement of the fetal cerebellum and the assessment of the entire posterior fossa including the dimensions of the cisterna magna.…”