Are We Ready to investigate Cognitive Function of Fetal Brain? The Role of Advanced Four-dimensional Sonography

Abstract

ABATRACT Human brain is fascinating organ in so many ways. Some of its cognitive functions, such as ability to learn, memorize, think, percept different sensations, such as pain, to have emotion, process audio-visual inputs, and to coordinate reaction and movements have been subjects of studies for many years. Yet, till recently, we could only make assumptions about prenatal activities, interactions and its construction of complex structures in the time frame of antenatal life. With the prenatal assessment (sonoembryology, neurosonoembryology, KANET test, etc.) by latest advanced HDlive, Silhouette and Flow 3D/4D imaging there is possibility to follow in continuity normal structural and functional development from the early beginnings of “life” and on the other hand consider what might be different (not necessarily abnormal) and deviate from normal development and behavior. On this way, we are able to supplement knowledge of fundamental building blocks of development of fetal cognitive functions, to pay more attention and follow up fetuses at higher risk and finally find some of the possible origins of cognitive dysfunctions which may manifest in childhood or later in life.82 With the introduction of different 3D/4D ultrasound modes we have ability to observe all of this in vivo while emerging, and make “time-lapse” of fetal neurodevelopment and behavior in correlation to its cognitive functional development How to cite this article Kurjak A, Spalldi Barisic L, Stanojevic M, Salihagic Kadic A, Porovic S. Are We Ready to investigate Cognitive Function of Fetal Brain? The Role of Advanced Fourdimensional Sonography. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(2):116-124.