ABSTRACT
Objective:To study the ultrasonographic characteristics of embryos/fetuses with normal or abnormal central nervous system (CNS) from 7 to 13 +6 weeks of gestation using high resolution two-dimensional ultrasound combined with HD-live silhouette technology and provide a reference for early diagnosis of CNS abnormalities. Methods:Eighty normal embryos/fetuses during 7-13 +6 weeks and 41 fetuses with CNS malformations in early pregnancy during 11-13 +6 weeks were selected to observe the ultrasonographic features of embryos/fetuses with normal or abnormal CNS using transvaginal high resolution two-dimensional ultrasound and HD-live silhouette technology. Descriptive analysis was performed on the results. Results:From seven weeks of gestational age, high resolution two-dimensional ultrasound combined with HD-live silhouette technology can clearly and stereoscopically show the prosencephalon, mesencephalon and rhombencephalon. The rhombencephalon changed the most in the brain development of embryos. At nine weeks of gestation, cleared structures of pons curvature, the fourth ventricle and cisterna magna were observed. The developing cerebellum and the original Blake pouch cyst were seen at 10 weeks of gestation. From 11 to 13 +6 weeks, the most remarkable change was the choroid plexus of the fourth ventricle changed from perpendicular to parallel to the long axis of the neural tube. Of the 41 fetuses with CNS malformation, 16 (39.0%) were exencephaly, 11 (26.8%) were holoprosencephaly, five (12.2%) were encephalocele, four (9.7%) were anencephaly, three (7.3%) were fourth ventricle dilatation, and two (4.9%) were open spina bifida. Conclusions:High resolution two-dimensional ultrasound combined with HD-live silhouette technology can clearly and stereoscopically display the morphological changes in embryonic embryos/fetuses with development of normal CNS at 7-13 +6 weeks, which is helpful to better understand the origin of CNS embryonic abnormalities and provide diagnostic clues for the early detection of CNS abnormalities.