Targeted Scan of the Fetal Brain

The scan is designed to provide a broad, accurate picture of brain development, and to enable the earliest possible identification of structural abnormalities or signs that may indicate a neurological developmental disorder. In many cases it provides reassuring information and confirms normal brain development, while in others it helps guide informed medical decisions and appropriate further work-up.

The exam provides an in-depth assessment of the fetal brain, helps identify conditions that require medical attention at an early stage, and in many cases offers peace of mind and confirmation of normal development. When there is a medical recommendation for the exam, it is advisable to see a specialist gynecologist with dedicated experience in the field, in order to receive the most professional and accurate assessment.

Enlargement of the brain ventricles may indicate an increased accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid or a change in the development of brain structures. In many cases this is a mild finding with no clinical significance, but at times it requires further evaluation and close follow-up. A targeted scan allows assessment of the severity of the enlargement and checks for any additional associated findings.

When there is a difference in size or structure between the two sides of the brain, a more detailed assessment of the brain anatomy is needed. At times this is a normal developmental variation, but in some cases the asymmetry may indicate a developmental disorder or an injury that occurred during pregnancy.

Cysts within the fetal brain may appear as part of a normal developmental process or be related to various medical conditions such as infections or developmental disorders. A targeted scan allows assessment of their location, size and characteristics, and accordingly provides informed counseling regarding their significance.

Such as an abnormality or absence of the cavum septum pellucidum or the corpus callosum. Recognizing these disorders and precisely assessing the abnormality, along with associated findings in the brain, is critical for determining the significance and severity of the findings.

There is a wide range of posterior fossa structural disorders, from benign findings with no clinical significance to malformations with significant neurological and developmental implications. Therefore, optimal imaging of the posterior fossa in all its components is of great importance, allowing accurate diagnosis and informed medical counseling for parents.

A head circumference smaller than the expected range for gestational age may result from a variety of factors, ranging from normal developmental variation to conditions affecting brain development, including microcephaly. A targeted, comprehensive scan of the fetal brain, taking into account differential diagnoses and associated findings, allows for a more accurate assessment of the finding's significance and contributes to diagnosis and informed medical counseling.

A head circumference larger than the expected range for gestational age may reflect normal familial variation, but may also be related to enlargement of the brain ventricles, increased cerebrospinal fluid, or other conditions affecting brain structure. A targeted, comprehensive scan of the fetal brain allows for precise assessment of the brain anatomy, identification of associated findings, and distinction between a normal variant and a clinically significant condition, thereby assisting in diagnosis and informed medical counseling.

Intrauterine infections may in certain cases affect the development of the fetal brain and central nervous system. Common causes include CMV infection, toxoplasmosis, the Zika virus and other congenital infections. When exposure or infection during pregnancy is suspected, a targeted, comprehensive scan of the fetal brain is recommended, aiming to identify characteristic findings such as changes in brain structure, developmental disorders or abnormal head growth measurements. This assessment assists in early diagnosis, evaluating the severity of the injury, deciding on further work-up and follow-up, and providing informed medical counseling for parents.

When there is a family history of brain malformations, genetic diseases that may affect the central nervous system, or developmental delay and/or neurological diseases among family members, there may be an increased risk of conditions affecting fetal brain development. In these cases, a targeted, detailed scan of the fetal brain allows for meticulous anatomical assessment, helps identify subtle findings, and contributes to risk assessment, planning further evaluation as needed, and providing informed medical and genetic counseling.

Fetuses experiencing growth restriction may be at increased risk for conditions that also affect brain development. A focused exam allows assessment of brain structures and cerebral blood flow, as part of the overall assessment of fetal well-being.

Assessment of the spine is an integral part of the fetal brain scan, since there is a heterogeneous group of congenital malformations, including spina bifida and other neural tube defects. Identifying the finding, determining the type and location of the defect, and assessing associated findings require in-depth familiarity with the various types of malformations and their clinical significance. Accurate assessment allows for correct diagnosis, prognosis evaluation, and precise medical counseling.

Exposure during pregnancy to medications with the potential to affect fetal development, particularly the central nervous system, may be an indication for a targeted fetal brain scan. The risk depends on the type of medication, the dosage, the duration of exposure, and the stage of pregnancy in which it occurred.
The purpose of the scan is to comprehensively assess the development of brain structures, identify abnormal anatomical findings or signs of impaired nervous system development, and confirm that brain development is consistent with gestational age. The findings assist in risk assessment and in deciding whether further evaluation or dedicated follow-up is needed.

When genetic tests or other imaging exams raise a finding that requires further evaluation, a targeted brain scan serves as an important complementary tool. It allows real-time examination of the brain anatomy and integration of all the data.