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Correlation Between 3D Transvaginal First-Trimester Neuroimaging and Embryonic Development According to Carnegie Stadiation

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: Tonni.Gabriele{at}ausl.re.it.

	Abstract

Sonoembryology is a recent application of sonography that systematically examines the developmental stages of the embryo and fetus. In this study, the authors found correlations between 3D transvaginal first-trimester neuroimaging and embryonic development, as described by the Carnegie staging system. Forty healthy, singleton pregnant women with known last normal menstrual period were enrolled and examined prospectively by serial weekly 3D transvaginal sonography between weeks 6.5 and 12 of gestation to assess development of embryonic and early fetal brain structures in vivo. The rhombencephalic cavity, visible from week 7 onward, was initially in the superior position in the embryo head. The mesencephalic and diencephalic cavities were identified by weeks 8 to 9. The cerebral hemispheres and the choroid plexuses of the lateral ventricles were regularly visualized from week 9 onward. The cerebellum started to be distinguishable by week 10. The shape and the size of the different brain structures and their relation to each other changed during the embryonic and early fetal period. The 3D sonographic description of embryo brain development matched that of classical embryology. Sonoembryology has great potential for detecting anomalous central nervous system development.

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