title: Three-dimensional sonographic evaluations of embryonic brain development.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this presentation is to show 3-dimensional development of the ventricles of the brain in early pregnancy, from 6 to 13 weeks, and to provide a reference for early diagnosis of central nervous system anomalies such as hydrocephalus and holoprosencephaly.
  
  
  METHODS
  From March 2007 to August 2007, 46 patients were included. All patients had routine first-trimester 2- and 3-dimensional sonographic examinations at the same time. All cases were examined with a Voluson 730 Expert or Voluson E8 ultrasound scanner (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI) using a 4- to 8- or 6- to 12-MHz transvaginal probe. Volumes were reviewed and analyzed with GE 4DView release 6 software. After the inversion-rendering mode was selected, volumes were dissected by the MagicCut function to show the ventricles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 34 volumes from 7 to 12 complete gestational weeks were successfully dissected. Those before 7 and after 12 weeks could not be dissected properly. The crown-rump length ranged from 12.7 to 68 mm. Twelve representative images of the rendered volumes in chronologic order are shown. The brain volume dissections of 2 fetuses with ventriculomegaly and alobar holoprosencephaly are shown for comparison.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early human brain ventricular structures could be evaluated in vivo with 3-dimensional sonography. This presentation shows the timeline of brain development and provides reference images to compare possible anomalies of development.
authors: Inner Vision Women's Ultrasound, Nashville, TN 37203, USA. misuksmile@gmail.com
authors: Mi Suk
authors: MS
authors: Kim
authors: Philippe
authors: P
authors: Jeanty
authors: Cheryl
authors: C
authors: Turner
authors: Bernard
authors: B
authors: Benoit
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology*; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000151:congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004453:Echoencephalography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal