Visualization and quantitative assessment of fetal intracranial structures during the early first trimester via transvaginal ultrasonography

Visualization and quantitative assessment of fetal intracranial structures during the early first trimester via transvaginal ultrasonography | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 5 November 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Visualization and quantitative assessment of fetal intracranial structures during the early first trimester via transvaginal ultrasonography Authors : jiao yin 0009-0008-1284-9665 , Kaihui Zeng , Yan Wang , Siyu Ding , Jia Xue , Hui Gu , Zhengwei Yuan 0000-0003-0967-9462 , and Lizhu Chen [email protected] Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.176232076.69159607/v1 137 views 130 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Objective To establish normative reference charts for fetal intracranial structures between 7-11 weeks’ gestation using transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) and evaluate its reliability compared to two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US). Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. Population or Sample 408 normally developing singleton fetuses meeting inclusion criteria. Methods From August 2021 to July 2023, standardized transvaginal 2D/3D ultrasound scans were performed on eligible early pregnancy fetuses (CRL range: 5.0-45.0 mm). The orthogonal multiplanar mode was used to obtain quantitative intracranial data from 3D volumes, while Omniview technology enabled visualization of cerebellar primordium and fourth ventricle choroid plexus (4V-CP). Statistical analyses included: paired chi-square tests comparing 2D/3D success rates in acquiring standard planes; paired t-tests evaluating measurement agreement; Pearson correlation and regression analyses assessing relationships between intracranial parameters and CRL; and intra-class correlation coefficients determining measurement reproducibility. Reference ranges for first-trimester intracranial structures were established based on 3D-US data. Main Outcome Measures Reference ranges for fetal intracranial structures; difference in visualization rates of key structures between 2D and 3D ultrasound; correlation between intracranial measurements and crown-rump length; intra-class correlation coefficients of 3D-US measurements. Results The rhombencephalic vesicle size initially showed a positive correlation with CRL (r = 0.720), but this correlation weakened as CRL increased. Measurements of the choroid plexus and lateral ventricle exhibited strong positive correlations with CRL (R 2 > 0.80). The third ventricle and aqueduct remained largely stable in size. No significant correlation was observed between the size of the fourth ventricle and Blake’s pouch with CRL. 3D-US measurements showed good reproducibility and achieved a significantly higher success rate in target plane acquisition compared to 2D-US. When CRL ≥ 25 mm, the cerebellar primordium and 4V-CP could be visualized, with detection rates of 49.44% and 72.47%, respectively. Conclusions Transvaginal 3D-US provides a valuable tool for consistent visualization and measurement of early fetal intracranial anatomy, with the established reference charts supporting early CNS anomaly detection in both clinical and research settings. Supplementary Material File (manuscript 1030.docx) Download 87.35 KB File (table1.docx) Download 18.12 KB File (table2.docx) Download 21.67 KB File (table3.docx) Download 23.23 KB File (table4.docx) Download 23.05 KB File (table5.docx) Download 17.77 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 05 November 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords doppler ultrasound early pregnancy fetal diagnosis and therapy fetal medicine Authors Affiliations jiao yin 0009-0008-1284-9665 Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University View all articles by this author Kaihui Zeng Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University View all articles by this author Yan Wang Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University View all articles by this author Siyu Ding Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University View all articles by this author Jia Xue Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University View all articles by this author Hui Gu Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University View all articles by this author Zhengwei Yuan 0000-0003-0967-9462 Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University View all articles by this author Lizhu Chen [email protected] Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 137 views 130 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation jiao yin, Kaihui Zeng, Yan Wang, et al. Visualization and quantitative assessment of fetal intracranial structures during the early first trimester via transvaginal ultrasonography. Authorea . 05 November 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.176232076.69159607/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . 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