Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system and their early detection

Abstract

The authors present sonographically detected foetal malformations of the central nervous system registered over a three-year period (1981-1983). In the mentioned period about 25,000 sonographic examinations were carried out. Of 19 congenital malformations of the central nervous system sonographically diagnosed in 15 cases ultrasound diagnosis was postnatally confirmed, and four foetal malformations were not diagnosed (2 cases of spina bifida, 1 meningomyelocele and 1 hydrocephalus). The authors illustrated ultrasound findings and included comparative postnatal pictures of detected anomalies. In their opinion properties of ultrasound examination (speed, simplicity, non-invasivity, comfort and harmlessness) enable sonographic detection which excludes the presence of malformations of the central nervous system during each routine examintion. Special attention should be paid to patients with possible malformated foetuses.