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Ultraschall Med 2025; 46(05): 418-424
DOI: 10.1055/a-2660-3374
Editorial

Was kann die fetale Neurosonografie über die Zukunft eines ungeborenen Kindes offenbaren?

Article in several languages: English | deutsch

Authors

  • Uwe Walter

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Clinically apparent birth defects affect 3–4 % of all live births and are responsible for 20 % of infant deaths [1]. Furthermore, slight structural anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) that are present at birth may only lead to a noticeable delay in neurological development after several years. Since congenital malformations can be attributed to various genetic and non-genetic causes, both imaging techniques and genetic analysis methods are important for prenatal diagnosis. Prenatal neurosonography is currently the method of choice when malformations of the fetal CNS are suspected, with MRI only being used as a secondary method with precise indications [2] [3]. Advances in ultrasound technology and specifically, the transvaginal approach, have greatly improved image resolution and now allow detailed visualization of fetal anatomy as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. 3 D/4 D ultrasound and, more recently, integrated uses of artificial intelligence (AI) were introduced to enhance the diagnostic yield of fetal neurosonography [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10]. Meanwhile even the AI-supported sonographic analysis of fetal behavior is being discussed for the detection of early neurodevelopmental irregularities [11]. In many countries around the world, pregnant women have access to basic and advanced ultrasound examinations from the first trimester onwards, including assessment of fetal brain development and detection of abnormalities [3] [12] [13] [14]. If necessary, targeted fetal neurosonography can be performed by specialized experts, which includes a more detailed assessment of abnormal findings, e. g., searching for malformations of the cerebral cortex, diagnosing defects of the corpus callosum, and thoroughly characterizing open spinal dysraphism [4] [15] [16] [17]. In the event of abnormal findings, it is the responsibility of the attending physician to advise the parents. This often includes recommending MRI and genetic testing in order to increase diagnostic certainty and, if necessary, offer appropriate treatment [12] [13] [18] [19].



Publication History

Article published online:
06 October 2025

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