G. Malinger et al., The subarachnoid space: normal fetal development as demonstrated by transvaginal ultrasound, PRENAT DIAG, 20(11), 2000, pp. 890-893
Citations number
13
Categorie Soggetti
Reproductive Medicine","Medical Research Diagnosis & Treatment
Enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces can be seen in the following conditi
ons: communicating hydrocephalus, brain atrophy and benign enlargement of t
he subarachnoid spaces. These disorders may begin in utero. There are no es
tablished normograms for the fetal subarachnoid spaces. This study was cond
ucted in order to determine its normal development. Transvaginal sonography
was used to examine the subarachnoid space in 80 fetuses between 16 and 40
weeks' gestation. The sinocortical width (SCW) and craniocortical width (C
CW) were measured in a coronal plane at the level of the foramen of Monro.
The SCW remained relatively constant during the gestational period. The CCW
increased in size from the 20th to the 28th week of pregnancy, with a subs
equent gradual decrease until term. Determination of fetal subarachnoid spa
ce normograms may potentially help in the diagnosis of pathological conditi
ons affecting this space and allow prenatal counselling. Copyright (C) 2000
John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.