Sonographic diagnosis of spina bifida at 12 weeks: heading towards indirect signs

Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2002 Mar;19(3):290-2. doi: 10.1046/j.1469-0705.2002.00660.x.

Abstract

Retrospective examination of ultrasound images obtained at 12 weeks of gestation in two fetuses with spina bifida demonstrated retraction of the frontal bones, resulting in an acorn-shaped head, the cerebral peduncles appearing parallel to each other. These craniocerebral signs may improve the accuracy of first-trimester diagnosis of spina bifida by sonography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Spinal Dysraphism / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal*