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Updated: May 7, 2026
Live Imaging of Mouse Secondary Palate Fusion
Published on: July 27, 2017
Sonographic assessment of fetal secondary palate between 12 and 16 weeks of gestation using three-dimensional
Michal Zajicek1, Reuven Achiron, Boaz Weisz
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
Insights
Three-dimensional ultrasound can visualize the fetal secondary palate in 38.7% of fetuses between 12-16 weeks gestation. This imaging technique is recommended for high-risk pregnancies for cleft palate.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Fetal Development
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Fetal secondary palate development is crucial for normal facial structure.
- Early detection of palate abnormalities can inform prenatal management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of visualizing the fetal secondary palate using three-dimensional ultrasound.
- To evaluate this technique in fetuses between 12 and 16 weeks of gestation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective acquisition of fetal palate volumes using 3D ultrasound.
- Fetuses were scanned between 12-16 weeks gestation with specific transducer positioning.
- Off-line analysis of acquired palate volumes.
Main Results:
- The secondary palate was visualized in 38.7% (19/49) of fetuses.
- Complete visualization of both hard and soft palate occurred in 11/49 fetuses.
- Visualization rates were assessed in fetuses with normal and abnormal facial anatomy.
Conclusions:
- Three-dimensional ultrasound provides information on fetal secondary palate visualization in early gestation.
- This method is a potential tool for identifying fetuses at risk for cleft palate.
- The examination is recommended for pregnancies with elevated risk for cleft palate.
Objective:
To evaluate fetal secondary palate in fetuses at 12 to 16 weeks' gestation by three-dimensional ultrasound.
Methods:
Between June 2006 and July 2008, volumes of palate were prospectively acquired in fetuses at gestational age of 12 to 16 weeks. Acquisition was performed when the fetus was facing the transducer with head extended at an angle of 30° to 40° to the ultrasound beam. Secondary palate was assessed off-line.
Results:
Secondary palate was assessed in 45 fetuses with normal face anatomy and 4 fetuses with malformations of the face (one with retrognathia, one with retrognathia and micrognathia, one with cleft lip and one with cleft lip and primary palate). The secondary palate was visualized in 19/49 (38.7%) fetuses: in 2/49, only hard palate was demonstrated; in 6/49, only soft palate and in 11/49, both hard and soft palate were fully demonstrated.
Conclusion:
Information concerning evenness of secondary palate may be provided by three-dimensional ultrasound in 38.7% of examined fetuses at 12 to 16 weeks of gestation. This examination should be offered in pregnancies at high risk for cleft palate.
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