Measurements of the normal fetal brain at gestation weeks 17 to 23: a MRI study.
BACKGROUND
To obtain measurements of the normal fetal brain before 24 weeks of gestation (GW), a deadline for medical decisions on fetal viability in a large number of countries.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 70 normal MR examinations of fetuses aged GW 17 to 23. The fronto-occipital diameter, the cerebral bi-parietal diameter, the transverse cerebellar diameter, the vermian height, and antero-posterior diameter were measured.


RESULTS
The median, maximum, and minimum values for each parameter were displayed for each individual GW.


CONCLUSIONS
The recorded data might contribute to a better assessment of fetal health by providing normal boundaries for the brain growth.
Moreira
Nuno Canto
NC
Neuroradiology Section C. Campos Costa, Porto, Portugal. nuno.cm@radiol.uu.se
Teixeira
João
J
Themudo
Raquel
R
Amini
Hashem
H
Axelsson
Ove
O
Raininko
Raili
R
Wikstrom
Johan
J
D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000196:embryology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity