Ultrasound measurement of the fetal cavum septi pellucidi

Abstract

Objectives: To establish normative data for the width of the fetal cavum septi pellucidi at various gestational ages.

Subjects and methods: A total of 608 consecutive fetuses between 19 and 42 gestational weeks were included in this prospective study. The largest width of the cavum septi pellucidi was measured by two-dimensional ultrasound. Piecewise regression analysis was used to study the relationships between the width of the fetal cavum septi pellucidi, gestational age and biparietal diameter.

Results: The fetal cavum septi pellucidi width increased gradually between 19 and 27 weeks of gestation and then plateaued between 28 weeks and term. Regression analysis revealed significant associations between cavum septi pellucidi width and gestational age, and cavum septi pellucidi width and biparietal diameter.

Conclusions: The present study provides normative data for fetal cavum septi pellucidi width and useful information about the development of the midline brain structure in the fetus.