Central Nervous System Malformations

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ultrasound (US) is a useful tool to evaluate the normal morphology, the developmental changes, and the malformations of the fetal central nervous system (CNS). The development of the fetal CNS is a complex and continuous process progressing till the end of pregnancy and even after delivery. Although, a limited number of CNS anomalies may be suspected in the 1st trimester, the 2nd trimester is the best period of pregnancy to screen for CNS anomalies, but some malformations may be recognized only in the 3rd trimester or become evident only in the postnatal period. Screening for CNS anomalies relies on the use of the basic examination, which requires two simple axial planes on the fetal head (transventricular and transcerebellar). For a more detailed evaluation of brain malformations, an expanded fetal neurosonogram is needed, based on the use of multiple sagittal and coronal planes. The correct diagnosis of a CNS anomaly must be followed by an accurate counseling since the prognosis is varying widely. How to cite this article Vincenzo D, Pasquale C. Central Nervous System Malformations. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(3):235-255.