Ultrasonographic measurement of cheek-to-cheek diameter in fetal growth disturbances.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to assess the value of the cheek-to-cheek diameter and the cheek-to-cheek diameter/biparietal diameter ratio in the ultrasonographic detection of abnormal fetal growth.


METHODS
The cheek-to-cheek diameter and cheek-to-cheek diameter/biparietal diameter ratio were examined in 21 small-for-gestational-age (< 10th percentile for estimated weight) and 87 large-for-gestational-age (> 90th percentile) fetuses. Statistical analysis consisted of Student's t test comparison between means and analysis of covariance for comparison of regression lines slope between these 108 fetuses and previously published nomograms of appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses.


RESULTS
The mean cheek-to-cheek diameters in small-for-gestational-age fetuses were significantly smaller than in appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses (p < 0.0001). In large-for-gestational-age fetuses the mean cheek-to-cheek diameters were significantly larger (p < 0.005). Although large-for-gestational-age fetuses of diabetic mothers exhibited higher cheek-to-cheek diameter/biparietal diameter ratios than did appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses (p < 0.0001), in fetuses of nondiabetic mothers this ratio was only minimally larger (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The cheek-to-cheek diameter and cheek-to-cheek diameter/biparietal diameter ratio are innovative ultrasonographic parameters for detecting abnormal fetal growth. Furthermore, the cheek-to-cheek diameter/biparietal diameter ratio permits insight into the possible underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of fetal macrosomia.
Abramowicz
J S
JS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY 14642.
Sherer
D M
DM
Woods
J R
JR
D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D002610:Cheek / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005320:Fetal Macrosomia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D012044:Regression Analysis; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal