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A novel technique to assess fetal corpus callosum by two-dimensional axial plane

  • Ultrasound
  • Published:
European Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

The definition of new normal values of the corpus callosum (CC) in axial sonographic scans and evaluation of their feasibility in diagnosing abnormal CC.

Methods

A cross-sectional study assessed CC from 20-gestational-week to full-term. CC observations across three axial planes (the largest CC length plane, trans-genu-and-splenium plane, and trans-body plane) were developed. The largest CC length, genu and splenium thickness, and body width and thickness were compared with compound scatter plots. Ultrasonographic features of normal and abnormal CC were described and the feasibility of the new approach studied. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for assessing the intra- and inter-observer agreements.

Results

Six hundred seventy normal and 42 abnormal fetuses from 20-gestational-week to full-term were studied. The mean normal and abnormal group maternal ages were 30.46 ± 4.36 years and 29.69 ± 4.49 years (p = 0.269). The success rate in obtaining satisfactory axial planes reached 100% but only 13.9% for sagittal plane in the normal group. The success rate of abnormal cases obtaining satisfactory axial planes was 100% and 59.5% by sagittal plane (p < 0.05). The compound scatter plots of abnormal and normal groups showed that the largest CC length and body width were significantly lower in normal fetuses, and the thickness of the genu and splenium with CC hypoplasia was significantly lower than normal fetuses. The intra- and inter-observer agreements were reproducible (all ICC > 0.850).

Conclusions

The feasibility of incorporating an evaluation of CC into routine anatomical screening was demonstrated. Additionally, a focused examination of the craniocerebral axial planes exploring CC at the time of central nervous system scanning might facilitate CC anomaly detection.

Key Points

• Three axial planes with direct CC measurements can detect CC anomalies more accurately compared with indirect CC signs. Besides, this method is simpler, more convenient, and time-saving compared with the sagittal plane.

• Assessing fetal CC on the axial plane helps clinicians to diagnose fetuses with abnormal CC.

• A prospective single-center study showed that our new technique provides enough diagnostic confidence.

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Abbreviations

BCC:

Body of the CC

BLV:

Lateral ventricle

CACC:

Complete agenesis of the corpus callosum

CC:

Corpus callosum

CMA:

Chromosome microarray

CSP:

Cavum septum pellucid

FC:

Falx cerebra

GCC:

Genu of the CC

HpCC:

Hypoplasia of the corpus callosum

PACC:

Partial agenesis of the corpus callosum

SCC:

Splenium of the CC

TCN:

The caudate nucleus

TLV:

The lateral ventricle

WC:

Wechsler cavity

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Acknowledgments

This study has received funding by The National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFC1002202), the National Nature Science Foundation of China (81771598), and Shenzhen Science and Technology project (JCYJ20170307091013214).

Funding

This study has received funding by The National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFC1002202), the National Nature Science Foundation of China (81771598), and Shenzhen Science and Technology project (JCYJ20170307091013214).

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Author notes

  1. Qing Zeng and Huaxuan Wen contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, Guangdong, China

    Qing Zeng, Huaxuan Wen, Ying Yuan, Yan Ding, Yimei Liao, Dandan Luo, Meiling Liang, Yue Qin & Shengli Li

Authors
  1. Qing Zeng
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  2. Huaxuan Wen
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  3. Ying Yuan
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  4. Yan Ding
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  7. Meiling Liang
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  8. Yue Qin
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  9. Shengli Li
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shengli Li.

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Guarantor

The scientific guarantor of this publication is Prof. Shengli Li.

Conflict of interest

The authors of this manuscript declare no relationships with any companies.

Statistics and biometry

No complex statistical methods were necessary for this paper.

Informed consent

Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects (patients) in this study.

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Institutional Review Board approval was obtained.

Methodology

• cross-sectional study

• performed at one institution

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Zeng, Q., Wen, H., Yuan, Y. et al. A novel technique to assess fetal corpus callosum by two-dimensional axial plane. Eur Radiol 30, 5871–5880 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-020-06981-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-020-06981-9

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