Demonstration of the Pericallosal Artery at 11-13 Weeks of Gestation Using 3D Ultrasound

Abstract

Objective: To assess the sonographic visualization of the pericallosal arteries in normal fetuses at 11-13 weeks of gestation using 3D ultrasound. Methods: We prospectively enrolled women with a singleton pregnancy undergoing ultrasound at 11-13 weeks of gestation. A 3D volume with high-definition power Doppler was acquired starting from the sagittal view of the fetal head and stored in the spatiotemporal image correlation mode. The images of the pericallosal arteries were assigned a score of 0 (no visualization), 1 (visualization of the origin) or 2 (visualization of the whole course). A follow-up scan was performed in all cases at 20 weeks of gestation to assess the presence of the corpus callosum. Results: 70 patients were included and the pericallosal arteries were sonographically detectable in all cases. Image scores of 1 and 2 were obtained in 8 and 62 cases, respectively. The whole length of the vessel was between 3.5 and 4.5 mm. The vast majority of those with a score of 2 were beyond 12 completed weeks of gestation. All fetuses showed a normal corpus callosum at midtrimester and no abnormal brain findings after birth. Conclusions: The pericallosal arteries are sonographically visible since the first trimester in 3D ultrasound scans of fetuses found to have a normal corpus callosum at follow-up.

Sonographic Development of the Pericallosal Vascularization in the First and Early Second Trimester of Pregnancy

“…34,35 Adding power color Doppler flow in fetuses at rest for short time intervals, respecting thermal index and mechanic index, shows the developing pericallosal vasculature and its variants [36][37][38] in the first trimester either with 2D or 3D sonography.…”

“…However, in that study, the developing vascular map was not analyzed. Conturso et al 38 viewed the pericallosal arteries in healthy fetuses at 11-13 weeks of gestation in 70 cases using 3D technology in the first trimester of pregnancy.…”

Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum in Fetuses

“…Three-dimensional US has been reported by multiple investigators to offer advantages in visualizing the normal corpus callosum and the anterior complex. 12,[26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] The midline sagittal plane of the CSP is best shown on multiplanar displays that can be oriented optimally by rotating the coronal and axial planes into symmetric orientations ( Figure 8B). The addition of thick-slice displays (eg, Volume Contrast Imaging; GE Healthcare) also optimizes visualization of the corpus callosum as well as the CSP and FHs ( Figure 8B).…”

Sonographic detection of central nervous system defects in the first trimester of pregnancy

“…This vessel can be detected in >95% of normal fetuses at the 11 to 13 weeks' scan and should be visible in all fetuses when the BPD is over 20 mm . The use of three‐dimensional ultrasound may help in improving detection rates . An abnormal course of the pericallosal artery in the first trimester has been seen in fetuses diagnosed with ACC later on, but given the rarity of the condition, data on sensitivity and specificity are lacking.…”

“…19 The use of three-dimensional ultrasound may help in improving detection rates. 90 An abnormal course of the pericallosal artery in the first trimester has been seen in fetuses diagnosed with ACC later on, 18 but given the rarity of the condition, data on sensitivity and specificity are lacking.…”