Evaluation of Fetal Central Nervous System Anomalies by Ultrasound and Its Anatomical Co-relation

Abstract

Introduction: Central nervous system anomalies are often severe and are the most common indications for therapeutic abortions. Ultrasound examination helps to identify and evaluate them well before birth.

Objectives: Present study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of central nervous system anomalies in utero by ultrasound and to confirm them by autopsy or postnatal examination.

Method: Ultrasound screening of 7485 pregnant women was performed. Pregnancy with ultrasound findings of central nervous system anomalies were followed up. Prenatal ultrasound findings were confirmed by autopsy in cases of therapeutic abortions and fetal losses. In case of live birth postnatal findings were noted.

Results: Ultrasound detected central nervous system malformations in 24 fetuses. Ultrasound findings were matching in 83% on autopsy. Autopsy and postnatal findings together were matching with ultrasound in 85.7%. Two cases had additional minor findings on autopsy.

Conclusion: The incidence of central nervous system malformations on ultrasound was 0.31%. Autopsy and postnatal examination showed high degree of correlation with ultrasound findings.

Keywords: Antenatal ultrasound; Central nervous system anomaly; Congenital malformations; Fetal autopsy; Neural tube defects; Preconceptual counseling.

Figures

[Table/Fig-2]:

Occipital encephalocele on ultrasound, autopsy, microscopy and radiography

[Table/Fig-3]:

Dandy-Walker variant on ultrasound. Radiogram showing opaque hemithorax. Autopsy showing Dandy-Walker variant, pulmonary hypoplasia and dextrocardia.

[Table/Fig-6]:

Ultrasound (transabdominal and transvaginal) shows anencephaly with deformed spine. Autopsy showing anencephaly with rachischisis