Clinical Value of the 11- to 13⁺⁶-Week Sonogram for Detection of Congenital Malformations: A Review

ABSTRACT

We sought to determine the clinical value of the 11- to 13⁺⁶-week ultrasound evaluation for diagnosis of congenital abnormalities. A literature search was conducted for publications concerning the use of the 11- to 13⁺⁶-week ultrasound evaluation for prenatal diagnosis of congenital abnormalities. Series with more than 1000 cases published in the English language were selected. The reported data were integrated and a pooled analysis was performed to provide meaningful clinical interpretations. Our analysis of data from 36,237 pregnancies generated by eight centers suggests that the overall detection rate of major congenital anomalies during the 11- to 13⁺⁶-week ultrasound evaluation is 29% (95% confidence interval 25 to 33). Prenatal diagnosis at these stages of development could improve if evaluations are implemented in accordance to very well delineated protocols.

KEYWORDS

Prenatal ultrasonography - fetal malformations - fetal anatomy - prenatal diagnosis - first trimester ultrasound

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