title: Sequential analysis of the normal fetal fissures with three-dimensional ultrasound: a longitudinal study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To perform a sequential analysis of the main cortical fissures in normal fetuses using 3D ultrasound.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cohort of patients with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies underwent three consecutive transabdominal scans at 19-21, 26-28 and 30-34 weeks. Volumes of the fetal head were acquired and searched in the multiplanar mode for the following cortical fissures: sylvian, parieto-occipital, calcarine, hippocampus and cingulate. A qualitative analysis of these sulci was performed in each volume by an experienced operator (A) and a trainee (B). By placing the dot on the sulcus in one plane, it was evaluated whether it was visible also in other planes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty patients were included in the study. At 19-21 weeks, the sylvian and parieto-occipital sulci were visualized on at least one plane by both operators in all cases. At 26-28 weeks, all fissures were visualized by both operators on at least one plane, with no significant difference between the performances of the two operators. At 30-34 weeks, a mild overall decline in the accuracy of identification of all the cerebral fissures was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  3D multiplanar mode allows a systematic evaluation of the cortical fissures in normal fetuses since midtrimester.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Contro
authors.forename: Ginevra
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Salsi
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Montaguti
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Morganelli
authors.forename: Gianluigi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pilu
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rizzo
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bonasoni
authors.forename: Tullio
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ghi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004453:Echoencephalography; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009778:Occipital Lobe / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal