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Updated: May 21, 2026
07:04
A Novel Use of Three-dimensional High-frequency Ultrasonography for Early Pregnancy Characterization in the Mouse
Published on: October 24, 2017
Screening at 11-13+6 weeks' gestation
J D Sonek1, K H Nicolaides, P Janku
1Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, USA. jdsonek@mvh.org
Ceska Gynekologie
|June 19, 2012
Summary
First trimester ultrasound screening at 11-13 weeks offers vital insights into pregnancy status and risks. Advanced ultrasound markers significantly improve detection rates for aneuploidy and fetal anomalies, enhancing early pregnancy assessment.
Area of Science:
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Diagnostic Ultrasound
- Prenatal Screening
Background:
- First trimester ultrasound (11-13 weeks) assesses conceptus and uterine blood supply for pregnancy status and progress.
- Nuchal translucency (NT) with maternal serum markers (free-beta-hCG, PAPP-A) is effective for aneuploidy screening.
- Additional first trimester ultrasound markers enhance screening accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of first trimester ultrasound in assessing pregnancy status and predicting outcomes.
- To highlight the role of NT and other ultrasound markers in aneuploidy screening.
- To assess the utility of first trimester ultrasound in detecting fetal structural anomalies and predicting preeclampsia risk.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasound examination of the conceptus and uterine arteries between 11 and 13 weeks' gestation.
- Nuchal translucency measurement combined with maternal serum markers (free-beta-hCG, PAPP-A).
- Inclusion of newer first trimester ultrasound markers and posterior brain assessment (intracranial translucency).
- Doppler measurement of uterine artery pulsatility index.
Main Results:
- Combined NT and serum marker screening demonstrates high efficacy for aneuploidy detection.
- Addition of other first trimester ultrasound markers achieves >90% detection rates for aneuploidy with a 2.5% false positive rate.
- Many fetal structural anomalies are detectable at this gestational age.
- Intracranial translucency serves as an effective screening tool for open neural tube defects.
- Uterine artery Doppler assists in establishing preeclampsia risk.
Conclusions:
- First trimester ultrasound provides crucial information on pregnancy status and future progress.
- Advanced ultrasound screening protocols significantly improve the detection of aneuploidy and fetal anomalies.
- Early detection of fetal anomalies and preeclampsia risk is achievable through comprehensive first trimester assessment.
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