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Normal fetal anatomy at 18–22 weeks
Fig. 5.3 Axial sequence images from superior to inferior as seen with tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI). The images are set at standard 3 mm intervals in this case. Note that the choroid (CH) fills the lateral cerebral ventricles and this is located at a plane superior to the transthalamic view. TH, thalamus; C, cerebellar hemispheres; CM, cisterna magna.
prominent anechoic anterior components of the lateral ventricles. In contrast, the surrounding cerebral cortex is hypoechoic with scarcely more echogenicity than the CSF. After about 18 weeks, the posterior aspect of the lateral ventricles (atria and occipital horns) is drawn laterally with development of the temporal horns. Simultaneously, the ventricles and choroid appear less pronounced with growth of the cerebral hemispheres.
Fig. 5.4 Transcerebellar view. Slightly oblique scan through the posterior fossa shows cerebellar hemispheres (C) which show a normal biconvex shape, outlined by the cisterna magna (CM). This single normal view excludes nearly all open spinal defects.
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The standard measurement of the cerebral ventricle is obtained in an axial plane through the atrium. Most studies have found the mean size of the ven­tricular atrium to be in the range of 5.4–6.5 mm, with 10 mm considered to be a cut-off for abnormal.
10,11
However, even lesser degrees of ventricular dilation may prove to be significant during the second trimester.12 Although 10 mm is a commonly accepted cut-off for normal size, others have found that ventricle size over 8 mm is unusual before 25 weeks.13 Mild or borderline degrees of cerebral ventricular dilation pose a difficult dilemma since most fetuses are perfectly nor­mal but some have underlying abnormalities or experience adverse outcome. Idiopathic lateral ventricular dilation is more common among male fetuses16 and in our experience, this is more common in those who are large for gestational age. Detection of borderline or mildly dilated cerebral ventricles is controversial.
Careful techniques should be used to evaluate the ventricles. Off-axis or angled planes can overestimate the size of the lateral ventricles.17 Reverberation artifact from bone normally obscures the proximal hemisphere. A technique employing an oblique scan plane angled superiorly through the temporal bone affords mark­edly improved visualization of the proximal hemisphere.
Ultrasound in obstetrics and gynaecology
18,19
A common ‘normal variant’ on transventricular views is a choroid plexus cyst. These are identified as often as 3–4% at 15–18 weeks20 and approximately 1% at 18–22 weeks. Choroid plexus cysts have been the subject of much study and
21–24
debate.
There is now generalized consensus that they are of no direct conse­quence themselves. They appear to slightly increase the risk of fetal chromosome abnormality, especially trisomy 18. However, as an isolated finding in a low-risk patient, this risk is considered to be low and amniocentesis is not recommended.
14,15
25
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Transcerebellar view
The transcerebellar or posterior fossa view is obtained by slightly angling the scan plane down posteriorly from the axial image for BPD determination until the cer­ebellum and cisterna magna are delineated (see Fig. 5.4).
26,27,86
This view is impor­tant for identification of the Dandy–Walker malformation and cerebellar agenesis and can provide diagnostic information regarding the presence or absence of the Arnold–Chiari malformation, seen with nearly all cases of open spina bifida. This scan plane is also useful for evaluating the nuchal soft tissue thickness.
The cerebellar hemispheres can easily be seen on each side of the echogenic midline vermis, anterior to the cisterna magna. The cerebellum appears slightly more echogenic than the cerebral hemispheres and is separated from supratentorial structures by the tentorium. The cerebellar hemispheres are biconvex in shape.
The normal fourth ventricle can be occasionally visualized within the mid­brain by high-resolution scans. It appears as a triangular-shaped small fluid space between the cerebellar hemispheres.
The cisterna magna appears as a sonolucent space just posterior to the cere­bral hemispheres and vermis near the base of the brain. The presence of a nor­mal cisterna magna (CM) excludes nearly all open spinal defects. Standardized measurements of the cisterna magna, with a normal range of roughly 3–10 cm, are taken in the midline from the vermis to the occipital bone.28 Measured values
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at the lowest end of this range are expected only early in gestation, while con­versely a cisterna magna of large dimension is generally seen in the third trimester. Occasionally a measurement exceeds these standards, which is usually still nor­mal if the vermis is well seen and intact and the transverse cerebellar diameter is normal for gestational age. An inappropriate scan plane can also lead to an abnor­mally large measurement of the CM or even the appearance of a Dandy–Walker variant.29 Caution should be exercised in diagnosis of incomplete closure of the vermis in the early second trimester;30 however, the normal vermis should be closed by 18 weeks.
In most fetuses, 1–3 linear echoes can be seen traversing the CM posteriorly from the cerebellum. Although originally mistaken for the straight sinus, these lines are now attributed to ‘subarachnoid septa’31 or ‘dural folds’.32 Occasionally they may appear ‘cyst-like’ and simulate a posterior fossa cyst.

FACE AND NECK

Examination of the face is not included in basic examination guidelines; however, it is generally easy to perform and may provide important information. Parents also desire and easily recognize views of the face. Views of the face are particu­larly important when other anomalies are suspected. For all these reasons, we believe views of the face should be included in any fetal survey at 18–22 weeks.
Imaging of the fetal face can be accomplished in coronal, sagittal and axial planes as well as three-dimensional (3D) multiplanar ultrasound (Figs 5.5–5.8). Each scan plane has advantages and disadvantages, and a combination of scan planes is often desired, when positioning is favourable, to adequately delineate all anatomy. A mid­line sagittal scan, or profile view, is one of the most recognizable images of any fetus (see Fig. 5.5). It is useful for evaluation of size and position of the mandible for exclusion of micrognathia, the nose and nasal bridge, and the tongue.
Coronal imaging of the soft tissues of the nose and upper lip can be easily shown at 18–22 weeks (see Fig. 5.6). This view is most useful for exclusion of cleft lip, with or without cleft palate. Although mild forms of cleft lip/cleft palate can be missed earlier, the majority of clefts should be visualized by 18–22 weeks.
Normal fetal anatomy at 18–22 weeks
Fig. 5.5 Midline sagittal view of the face shows normal structures including a normal nasal bone (NB).
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Fig. 5.6 Coronal view through the superficial soft tissues shows a normal upper lip (L) and nose (N).
On the other hand, cleft palate without associated cleft lip (aetiologically distinct from cleft lip with or without cleft palate) remains undetected throughout preg-
Ultrasound in obstetrics and gynaecology
nancy, with rare exceptions. Although the soft tissue view is most useful, coronal views more posteriorly within the face may show the oral cavity and deep nasal structures. This can be useful for showing the involvement of cleft palate when cleft lip is suspected.
Transverse or axial views are also useful when cleft lip/palate is suspected. The upper lip and anterior maxilla can be imaged simultaneously in this plane, and the integrity of the alveolar ridge can be demonstrated.33 The oral cavity may also be nicely imaged in the axial plane. When the upper lip is evaluated on coronal images, the nose also comes into plane. The nose should be normal in size and shape; two ala should be demonstrated. Some familial and racial differences are probably evident in the appearance of the nose.
The orbits are best imaged in the axial or coronal plane (see Fig. 5.7). Measurement of the outer orbital diameter (OOD), which correlates with ges­tational age,34 allows for detection of hypo/hypertelorism. Intraorbital anatomy that can be identified includes the globe, lens and hyaloid artery.
The fetal ears are not frequently targeted for imaging, but when necessary can be easily identified as complex soft tissue protrusions external to the skull.35
86
Fig. 5.7 Axial image through the orbits shows normal measurements of the orbital diameter (OD), binocular diameter (BOD), and interocular diameter (IOD).
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Fig. 5.8 Face, 3D multiplanar ultrasound. A variety of normal structures on a single image, including normal mouth, jaw, lips, orbits and ear.
Because of their complex shape, they are best imaged using 3D multiplanar ultra­sound (see Fig. 5.8). Normal ear size has been documented in an effort to detect small ears as a sign of fetal chromosome abnormality.36 Fetal hair may be seen during the third trimester37 but is not seen at this time.
Evaluation of the soft tissue of the back of the neck (nuchal fold or nuchal thickness) has proven to be one of the best sonographic ‘markers’ for trisomy 21 during the second trimester.
38-40
Although detection of sonographic markers is generally performed earlier, with nuchal translucency assessed as early as 10–14 weeks, nuchal thickness can still be evaluated before 20 weeks, and probably as late as 22 weeks. It should be included on any routine fetal anatomical survey during the second trimester. Because nuchal thickness increases with gestational age, absolute cut-offs will be useful throughout the pregnancy.
Other neck structures are not routinely sought during the anatomical survey. Normal thyroid size has been documented since 20 weeks.41 However, cystic hygromata or other neck masses can be detected.
Normal fetal anatomy at 18–22 weeks

SPINE

The fetal spine is well developed at 18–22 weeks. Each vertebral segment is com­posed of three ossification centres which appear echogenic sonographically.42 The anterior centre is the developing vertebral body while the posterior centres are formed at the junction of the lamina and the pedicle on each side.43 The ossification centres lie in a symmetrical triangular configuration, with the posterior centres oriented towards the midline.
Imaging of the fetal spine can be accomplished in three planes: parasagit­tal, coronal and transverse. While the parasagittal and coronal images give the best overall views of the spine (Fig. 5.9), transverse images permit simultane­ous evaluation of both the ossification centres and the overlying soft tissues (Fig.
5.10). Although transverse images look only at a single level, the entire spine can
be quickly evaluated with transverse images with real-time ultrasound. Three­dimensional multiplanar ultrasound can also be used to evaluate the spine and other bony structures (Fig. 5.11).
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Fig. 5.9 Longitudinal view shows normal spine (Sp) extending to the sacral spine.
Parasagittal imaging of the entire spine demonstrates two rows of roughly par­allel ossification centers, one being the vertebral bodies and the other one a row of posterior centres. While this plane of section nicely demonstrates the overall appearance of the spine and delineates the posterior soft tissues adjacent to the midline, it theoretically might be less sensitive for subtle widening between the
Ultrasound in obstetrics and gynaecology
paired posterior ossification centres. Coronal images may be oriented to show both posterior ossification centres. However, this plane does not show visualiza­tion of the posterior soft tissues.

HEART

The 18–22-week scan is an ideal time to evaluate the fetal heart.87 Indeed, the heart can usually be evaluated in great detail at this time. In additional to the requisite four-chamber view, most centres have now adopted the policy of addi­tional views of the outflow tracts and great vessels. using specific views will result in optimal detection of cardiac defects. However, specific views are not a substitute for understanding normal anatomical relation­ships. Also, it should be stressed that static images are not sufficient for eval­uating complex anatomical structures. Nowhere is this more true than when evaluating the dynamic fetal heart.
44,87,88
A systematic approach
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Fig. 5.10 Spine. Transverse view shows normal anterior (Ant) and posterior (Post) ossification centres and overlying skin posteriorly.
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Normal fetal anatomy at 18–22 weeks
Fig. 5.11 3D multiplanar view shows normal spine (Sp), ribs (R) and scapula (Sc).
Obtaining a good four-chamber view is usually not difficult at 18–22 weeks
although it requires good ultrasound technique (Fig. 5.12).
45-47
This view is best obtained from an anterior or left lateral approach to avoid the spine and ribs. The scan plane is transverse through the lower thorax; however, the transducer is actually tilted slightly cephalad toward the spine to include the atria which are located posterior and superior to the ventricles. This can be accomplished by beginning the plane inferior to the heart and angling up slightly to the thorax.
Using the four-chamber view, evaluation of the heart begins by overall assess-
ment of the position, axis and size of the heart.
48,49
The heart lies anteriorly within the thorax, slightly to the left of midline. The cardiac apex, as deter­mined by a line through the ventricular septum, is directed to the left side of the hemithorax at about a 45 ° angle from the midline or roughly equidistant from the anterior and lateral aspects of the chest.50 The heart should occupy about one-third of the thorax; an abnormal heart to thoracic ratio can help identify a variety of cardiac defects.51 Cardiac rate and rhythm should be noted, with a nor­mal range of 120–160 beats per minute from the second trimester to term.
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Fig. 5.12 Normal four-chamber axial view of the heart. LV, left ventricle; RV, right ventricle; LA, left atrium; RA, right atrium; PV, pulmonary veins; Ao, aorta.
Ultrasound in obstetrics and gynaecology
A checklist of normal anatomical relationships can be confirmed on the four-
chamber view, including the following.
There are two atria of approximately equal size. The left atrium is the most
•
posterior chamber. The two atrioventricular valves (mitral and tricuspid) show normal
•
mobility. There are two ventricles of approximately equal size and thickness. Both
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show normal contractility. The right ventricle is anterior in the midline, just behind the sternum, and the left ventricle is positioned left and posterior to the right ventricle. The atrial and ventricular septa meet the two atrioventricular valves
•
(mitral and tricuspid) to form the crux of the heart. This crux has a slightly offset cross appearance since the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve inserts slightly lower in the ventricular septum than the mitral valve. The left atrium is the most posterior chamber and is similar in size to the right atrium. The atrial septum is often difficult to image, but appears as a continuous thin structure with the exception of a physiological opening, the foramen ovale, through which blood flows in the fetus from right to left atrium. The interventricular septum should appear intact.
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The ventricular septum appears as a continuous thick muscular structure sepa­rating the ventricles, except for its short, thinner membranous portion near the atrioventricular (AV) valves. In some scan planes the ventricular walls or inter­ventricular septum may have a component which is quite hypoechoic relative to the remaining muscle. This is a normal variant secondary to the complex orientation of the cardiac muscle fibres interacting variably as the scan plane changes.52 Fetal rotation or probe position changes may also alter the appearance
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and identification of some intracardiac structures, such as the ventricular septum which can vary from appearing relatively thin to rather thick when imaging in orthogonal planes. Colour flow Doppler can help confirm an intact ventricular septum (Fig. 5.13).
The moderator band may be seen in the right ventricle. A commonly seen normal variant, usually within the left ventricle, is an echogenic focus caused by a specular reflection from the papillary muscles and chordae tendinae.
53–55
This has been referred to as an echogenic intracardiac focus or echogenic chorda ten­dinae. It is observed in approximately 3–4% of the normal population before 20 weeks, and appears to be even more common among Asian populations. It typically resolves later in gestation and has no direct functional significance. However, an echogenic intracardiac focus does appear to increase the risk of fetal chromosome abnormality, especially trisomy 21, at least in non-Asian populations.
In addition to the four-chamber view, other views of the heart are required to
show normal relationships (Figs 5.14–5.18).
42,44,56,57
However, it is important to understand the normal anatomy and circulatory pattern while obtaining these views. This sequential segmental approach is most useful in the evaluation of the heart and especially in the diagnosis of congenital heart disease. In brief, blood enters the right atrium through the superior and inferior vena cavae. Oxygenated blood from the inferior vena cava is preferentially directed across the foramen ovale to the left atrium while deoxygenated blood from the superior vena cava is directed to the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve. Deoxygenated blood is pumped through the pulmonary artery and much of this continues through the ductus arteriosus to the aorta, returning to the placenta and lower fetus. A por­tion of pulmonary arterial flow goes to the lungs, returning via the pulmonary veins. This blood enters the left atrium where it mixes with oxygenated blood crossing the foramen ovale and then enters the left ventricle through the mitral valve. It is then pumped through the left ventricle into the aorta.
Normal fetal anatomy at 18–22 weeks
Fig. 5.13 Four-chamber view without (left) and with (right) colour flow. Colour flow helps to confirm an intact ventricular septum.
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Fig. 5.14 Left ventricular outflow tract. Plane angled toward the right shoulder from the standard four-chamber view shows normal ascending aorta (Ao). Note the wall of the ascending aorta is continuous with the ventricular septum. RV, right ventricle; LV, left ventricle; LA, left atrium.
Other views help show these normal relationships including the venous–atrial,
atrial–ventricular and ventricular–arterial junctions of both the left and right side
Ultrasound in obstetrics and gynaecology
of the heart. In addition to the four-chamber view described above, these include a view of the upper abdomen to show normal solitus, and views of the great ves­sels. Left and and right ventricular outflow views (see Figs 5.14, 5.15) should be obtained, if possible. A ‘three-vessel’ view (see Fig. 5.16) should also be attempted by continuing to angle the transducer superiorly from the four-chamber view. A more complete study would include the venous–atrial connections and longitu­dinal views of the ductal arch (see Fig. 5.17) and aortic arch (see Fig. 5.18).
The venous–atrial connections of both the left and right heart can be seen on transverse views sweeping from the abdomen to the four-chamber view. As an optional view, the relationship of the inferior and superior vena cavae with the
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Fig. 5.15 Right ventricular outflow tract. Plane angled toward the left shoulder from the standard four-chamber view shows the main pulmonary artery (MPA), and its continuation by way of the ductus arteriosus (DA) which joins the aorta. RPA, right pulmonary artery; RV, right ventricle; Ao, ascending aorta seen in cross-section.