Neurosonographic assessments of corpus callosum related structures in growth-restricted fetuses

J Clin Ultrasound. 2021 Oct;49(8):828-833. doi: 10.1002/jcu.23052. Epub 2021 Aug 6.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether corpus callosum length (CCL), corpus callosum-fastigium length (CCFL) and the angle between CCL-CCFL (CCFA) were altered in growth-restricted fetuses.

Methods: This prospective case-control study was conducted in a tertiary center. A total of 80 singleton fetuses were included in the study, classified as 36 late-onset growth-restricted fetuses and 44 adequate-for-gestational-age fetuses. All biometric measurements and Doppler assessments of umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, and ductus venosus were performed via the trans-abdominal route. CCL, CCLF, and CCFA were assessed via the trans-vaginal route.

Results: Late-onset growth-restricted fetuses showed significantly reduced CCL and CCFL. There was no statistically significant differences in terms of CCFA. Moderate-high correlations between CCL and biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, FL and gestational age were detected (r: 0.482 p: 0.000; r: 0.537 p: 0.000; r: 0.488 p: 0.000; r: 0.519 p: 0.000; and r: 0.472 p: 0.000, respectively).

Conclusion: This study adds to the literature that CCFA has not changed despite the decrease in CCL and CCFL in late-onset fetal growth restriction that might be a result of the redistribution of cerebral blood flow. To clarify the prognostic implications of these results in terms of neural and cognitive functions in postnatal life, there is a need for larger prospective studies.

Keywords: FGR; angle; corpus callosum; corpus callosum fastigium length.

MeSH terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Corpus Callosum* / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / diagnostic imaging
  • Fetus
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Prospective Studies
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal*