13–14‐week fetal anatomy scan: a 5‐year prospective study

Objectives To assess the potential value of an early (first‐trimester) ultrasound examination in depicting fetal anomalies by transabdominal (TAS) and transvaginal (TVS) sonography, to compare it with the traditional mid‐trimester anomaly ultrasound examination and to evaluate the degree of patient acceptance of early sonography by the transvaginal route. Methods In this prospective study over a 5‐year period (January 2002 to January 2007) 2876 pregnant women underwent a 13–14‐week ultrasound examination. The scan was performed by TAS at first and then, if a full fetal anatomical survey was not achieved, by TVS. A mid‐trimester fetal anatomy scan was then performed in patients who had not dropped out, miscarried or undergone pregnancy termination (n = 2834). Results In the early scan, analyzable data for 2876 TAS and 1357 TVS examinations showed that TVS was significantly better in visualizing the cranium, spine, stomach, kidneys, bladder and upper and lower limbs (P < 0.001). Complete fetal anatomical surveys were achieved by TAS in 64% of cases versus 82% of the cases in which it was attempted by TVS (P < 0.001). Patient body mass index significantly affected the ability of the sonographer to achieve a complete anatomical survey by both TAS and TVS (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). The duration of the scan was significantly longer using TVS. The heart and kidneys were not properly visualized in 42% and 27% of cases, respectively, at the 13‐week scan compared with 1.6% and 0% at the mid‐trimester scan. The total number of cases in which anomalies were detected was 31. At the first‐trimester scan, anomalies were detected in 21 fetuses and in 14 of these cases the parents chose pregnancy termination. At the second‐trimester scan, anomalies were detected in 17 fetuses: 10 new anomalous cases along with seven cases already detected in the first‐trimester scan. Conclusion Besides its importance in screening for chromosomal abnormalities, the early scan has great potential in visualizing with precision fetal anatomy. TVS can be used to compliment difficult TAS examinations; however, patients do not always agree to undergo TVS. The mid‐trimester scan remains crucial for detailed fetal anatomical survey. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.