Dilated intracranial translucency and Blake's pouch cyst: first-trimester ultrasound markers of occipital cephalocele diagnosed using novel three-dimensional reslicing technique

J Clin Ultrasound. 2014 Mar-Apr;42(3):157-61. doi: 10.1002/jcu.22073. Epub 2013 Aug 16.

Abstract

Abnormal intracranial translucency (IT) (fourth ventricle) and a Blake's pouch cyst with normal brain stem cavity may be valuable first-trimester call signs of defects in the skull base. Here, we report a case of presumptive two-dimensional sonographic diagnosis of occipital cephalocele that was posed at the time of 11-13 weeks aneuploidy scan. The two-dimensional sonographic finding elicited a detailed fetal neuroscan that was performed using either multiplanar mode or a novel three-dimensional reslicing and lightening technique. The use of three-dimensional sonographic software and offline "navigation" within the volume of interest enabled operators to capture a diagnostic snapshot of the condition, enhancing quality imaging and early detection of the encephalic lesion.

Keywords: intracranial translucency; obstetrics; occipital cephalocele; prenatal diagnosis; sonography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Encephalocele / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Occipital Lobe / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First*
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal / methods*