How to perform a sonographic morphological assessment of the fetus at 11–14 weeks of gestation

Abstract

IntroductionFirst‐trimester ultrasound is widely accepted as part of standard care in many countries. With improvements in equipment, expertise and increasing number of technical studies describing imaging techniques, the detection rate for major fetal anomalies in the first trimester continues to rise and can be as high as 60% in high‐risk populations.MethodsWe set out to create a systematic pictorial guide for trained ultrasound providers to describe the common anatomical structures that are identifiable in the first trimester with provided images. In addition to normal anatomical structures, a number of anomalies with high detection rates are listed.ConclusionA large proportion of the major fetal abnormalities can be detected in the first trimester. A systematic approach is essential to ensure that anomalies are equally likely to be detected for patients of any risk background.

The role of first-trimester single arterial vessel sign instead of a V-sign at the level of the three-vessel and tracheal view in screening for congenital heart diseases

“…All tertiary centre scans were performed within 7 days after FT screening. The scan protocol covered an early cardiac and extracardiac ultrasound scan, according to the steps described by Springhall et al [17]. The scan was accompanied by the reassessment of primary (NT, fetal heart rate [FHR]) and secondary markers of aneuploidy (nasal bone, tricuspid flow, and ductus venosus velocimetry), according to recommendations from the Fetal Medicine Foundation [18].…”