Spina Bifida Cystica (Spinal Dysraphism) in Ultrasound

In this ultrasound lecture you will learn how to image and diagnose spina bifida (spinal dysraphism) using 2D and 3D/4D ultrasonography.

Spina bifida can be defined as a midline defect of the vertebrae resulting in exposure of the contents of the neural canal (click here to view normal fetal spine in ultrasound).

Definitions and types of spina bifida. Timing of onset of spina bifida. Anatomic classification of spina bifida. Structural classification according to contents of spina bifida. Spinal dysraphism and amniotic fluid communication. Incidence and etiology of spina bifida. Ultrasound diagnosis. Indirect signs.

Direct signs.

Assessment of extension. Differential diagnosis of spina bifida. Associated anomalies/defects with spina bifida. Fully illustrated ultrasound techniques of diagnosis using simple 2D ultrasound techniques or 3D/4D ultrasound volume acquisition. Surface mode rendering.

Skeletal mode rendering.

Multiplanar view.

Tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI).

Omni-view navigation.