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Updated: May 8, 2026
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Published on: September 27, 2010
Reference values for the right and left fetal choroid plexus at 11 to 13 weeks: an early sign of "developmental"
Reem S Abu-Rustum1, M Fouad Ziade, Sameer E Abu-Rustum
1Center for Advanced Fetal Care, Najah Center, Tripoli, Lebanon. rar@cfafc.org
Insights
This study established reference values for fetal choroid plexus measurements at 11-13 weeks. The left fetal choroid plexus was significantly larger than the right, offering insights into early development.
Area of Science:
- Fetal development and neuroimaging.
- Prenatal diagnostics and screening.
Background:
- The choroid plexus is crucial for cerebrospinal fluid production.
- Establishing normative data for fetal structures aids in detecting abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference values for fetal choroid plexus length, area, and circumference at 11-13 weeks.
- To correlate these measurements with fetal biparietal diameter.
- To compare measurements between the right and left fetal choroid plexus.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 114 fetuses (11-13 weeks gestation).
- Measurements of choroid plexus length, area, and circumference obtained from the "butterfly" plane.
- Statistical analysis including paired t-tests and ANOVA to compare sides and establish reference ranges.
Main Results:
- Reference values for fetal choroid plexus dimensions were established in relation to biparietal diameter.
- Statistically significant differences were found between right and left sides for all parameters.
- All measurements were significantly greater on the left side (P < .0001).
Conclusions:
- Normative reference values for fetal choroid plexus at 11-13 weeks are presented.
- These values may aid in early screening for central nervous system abnormalities.
- Asymmetrical growth (left > right) may indicate early developmental laterality.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to establish reference values for the length, area, and circumference of the right and left fetal choroid plexus at 11 to 13 weeks with respect to the fetal biparietal diameter and to compare the right to the left side.
Methods:
We conducted a prospective study on 114 fetuses at 11 to 13 weeks undergoing first-trimester screening for aneuploidy and structural fetal abnormalities. After the establishment of the fetal situs, the plane of the "butterfly" was obtained on all fetuses, from which the length, area, and circumference of both the right and left choroid plexus were obtained and the right and left sides compared. Using a paired t test, analysis of variance, scatterplots, and linear and logarithmic fittings, reference ranges and charts for the length, area, and circumference of the choroid plexus were then formulated according to their relationship to the fetal biparietal diameter. P < .05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
Reference values for the length, area, and circumference of the fetal choroid plexus, with respect to the fetal biparietal diameter, were established. There was a statistically significant difference between the right and left sides for all parameters, with all measurements statistically greater on the left side (P < .0001).
Conclusions:
Reference values for the length, area, and circumference of the fetal choroid plexus at 11 to 13 weeks are presented. These may prove to be of clinical importance in the early screening for central nervous system abnormalities. In addition, the statistically significant difference between the right and left sides may be an early sign of "developmental" laterality.
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