Sonographic measurement of fetal nuchal skinfold thickness: Pitfalls and avoiding techniques

M. J. Kim, J. Y. Cho, Y. H. Lee, M. J. Song, J. Y. Min, J. H. Park

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

Second-trimester sonographic measurement of fetal nuchal skinfold thickness has been proposed as a potential screening tool for Down syndrome detection. In measurement of nuchal skinfold thickness, overestimation leading to false positive result may occur. The purposes of this exhibition are to present the causes of overestimation and to suggest techniques avoiding it. Overestimation may be caused by the lateral compression of the nuchal skinfold, especially in the breech presentation of the fetus. The lateral compression can cause increase of nuchal skinfold thickness. In this instance, repeat scans after changing of fetal presentation is recommended. The calvarium has two cortical bony layers (inner and outer table). Occipital bone is thicker than the other part of the calvarium. In some instances, only the inner table of occipital bone rather than outer table is visualized on the standard view used to measure the nuchal skinfold thickness. This is often noted when the occipital bone is parallel to ultrasound beam direction. This problem can be solved by rotating the transducer the occiput approximately 30° with maintaining the appropriate intracranial landmarks.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)A216
JournalUltrasound in Medicine and Biology
Volume26
Issue numberSUPPL. 2
StatePublished - 2000
EventThe 9th Congress of World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology - Florence, Italy
Duration: 6 May 200010 May 2000

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