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Linear echoes in the fetal cisterna magna
D H Pretorius1, C E Kallman, M R Grafe
1Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego.
Summary
Linear echoes in the fetal cisterna magna (CM) are common, appearing in 84% of fetuses. Their presence helps identify abnormal CM size, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like Dandy-Walker variant.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Fetal Medicine
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Linear echoes are observable in the fetal cisterna magna (CM) during obstetric sonography.
- These echoes are histologically consistent with dural folds, specifically the inferior attachment of the falx cerebelli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the incidence and diagnostic utility of linear echoes in the fetal CM.
- To determine the relationship between the presence of these echoes and CM size, gestational age, and specific fetal brain abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 322 prenatal sonographic examinations.
- Sonographers were instructed to identify and image linear echoes within the fetal CM.
- Evaluation of 18 fetuses with Dandy-Walker cyst or variant.
Main Results:
- Linear echoes were identified in 84% of the fetuses studied.
- Echo identification was less frequent in fetuses with CM diameter < 3 mm but not dependent on gestational age.
- Linear echoes were absent in 16 out of 18 fetuses diagnosed with Dandy-Walker cyst or variant.
Conclusions:
- Recognition of normal fetal CM anatomy, including linear echoes, is crucial for detecting CM size abnormalities.
- The presence or absence of these echoes can serve as an indicator for further investigation of potential fetal brain abnormalities.