Fetal neurosonography – detailed fetal CNS ultrasound

Fetal neurosonography, or detailed ultrasound examination of the fetal central nervous system, is a comprehensive diagnostic examination during which the fetal brain, spine, and spinal cord are assessed. When needed, fetal cerebral blood flow is also evaluated.
 

The examination may be needed if a previous ultrasound scan has shown an unclear or suspicious finding in the fetal brain, spine, or spinal cord. Neurosonography may also be recommended in cases of enlarged fetal brain ventricles, suspected brain cyst, abnormal fetal head measurements, suspected spina bifida, fetal heart defect, severe fetal growth restriction, monochorionic twin pregnancy, suspected CMV or toxoplasmosis, or other fetal developmental abnormalities.
 

The examination may include both transabdominal and high-resolution transvaginal ultrasound. When needed, neurosonography helps to decide whether further follow-up, amniocentesis, genetic testing, fetal brain MRI, or involvement of other specialists is required.