Normal Anatomy of the Fetal Brain and Spine: Screening Planes and Fetal Neurosonography

With advancements in imaging technology, prenatal care has undergone a transformative shift, enabling clinicians to evaluate the fetal brain with unprecedented detail. This chapter explores the fascinating realm of normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the fetal central nervous system (CNS), providing a comprehensive examination of the intricacies defining its critical developmental changes. The chapter begins by elucidating the fundamental views for a basic examination of the fetal CNS in the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Special emphasis is placed on the dynamic nature of these structures throughout gestation, providing clinicians with valuable insights into the variations that may be encountered during routine imaging assessments. Subsequently, the narrative unfolds to reveal the ultrasonographic planes for targeted fetal neurosonography—an expert diagnostic procedure crucial for patients at an elevated risk of CNS malformations. Incorporating illustrative figures depicting both normal and abnormal aspect of the ultrasonographic planes, readers are guided through the visual nuances of ultrasonographic images, enabling them to discern the subtleties defining normal fetal CNS anatomy. “Normal Ultrasonographic Anatomy of the Fetal CNS” serves as an indispensable resource for practitioners in the field of maternal-fetal medicine, radiology, and obstetrics. It offers a thorough examination of the normal fetal CNS anatomy, equipping clinicians with the expertise needed for accurate prenatal assessments.