[Use of intracranial translucency measurement in first trimester, beyond spina bifida].
BACKGROUND
The intracranial translucency (IT) is described as echolucid space located in the fetal central nervous system corresponding to the fourth ventricle. Alteration in the first trimester is associated with neural tube defects (NTDs).


OBJECTIVE
Describe the technique and normal values of translucency and everything that makes this resourse a useful option in the detection of defects and abnormalities.


METHODS
We conducted an electronic search of the literature registered in: PubMed, Ovid, and ProQuest, between September 2009 and January 2013.


RESULTS
It describes technical and normal values, factors affecting measurement, intra and inter-observer variability, regarding the screening and diagnosis of NTDs.


CONCLUSIONS
The IT should be included in the checklist of valuable structures on 11 to 13 ultrasound; its alteration should be related not just o NTDs but posterior fossa anomalies.
Marcela
M
Buitrago-Leal
Saulo
S
Molina-Giraldo
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D048208:Nuchal Translucency Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D015588:Observer Variation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods