Cervical assessment certification and its impact on performance quality in the context of universal cervical screening

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of the introduction of universal transvaginal cervical screening and certification on the quality of cervical length ultrasound images.

METHODS

The present study included a retrospective cohort of singleton pregnancies that underwent transvaginal cervical length measurement at the anatomical scan (180/7 and 236/7 weeks) before (period A, 2015-2017) and after (period B, 2017-2019) the introduction of universal transvaginal cervical length screening. Independent observers blindly evaluated the images obtained for cervical length using a qualitative scoring method based on five criteria, according to the Fetal Medicine Foundation.

RESULTS

In all, 6013 patients met the inclusion criteria, 3333 in period A and 2680 in period B. Maternal characteristics and risk factors for preterm birth were similar between the two periods. The acceptance of transvaginal cervical length measurement in period B was 95.5% in the overall cohort and 100% in the subgroup of high-risk patients. The quality score was significantly higher in period B than in period A. Among the image quality criteria, the anterior/posterior ratio, the correct magnification of the images, and the calipers' placement contributed significantly to the improved quality score in period B. Most of the sonographers performed better in period B, irrespective of the years of experience, but certificate holders obtained higher scores than non-certified sonographers, particularly those in mid-career. The identification of short cervix was significantly higher in period B than in period A.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of universal transvaginal cervical length screening and the certification process are associated with improved quality of cervical length images, even among expert sonographers and in the presence of anatomical pitfalls.

The Course and Neonatal Outcome of Choroid Plexus Extension to the Anterior Horn at the Routine Anatomy Scan

OBJECTIVES

Our objective was to examine the pregnancy course and immediate neonatal outcome of fetuses with an isolated extension of choroid plexus (CP) to the anterior horn during the second trimester.

METHODS

We prospectively collected the cases referred to us between July 2012 and January 2021 with isolated finding of CP extension to the anterior horn. Relevant clinical and demographic information was recorded, and a full anatomy scan including a comprehensive neurosonogram was performed. In cases of confirmed isolated extension of CP to the anterior horns, women were offered further investigation including fetal MRI, and ultrasound follow up.

RESULTS

We collected 29 eligible cases for analysis. The mean gestational age (GA ± SD) for diagnosis and referral was 19.24 ± 2.3 weeks. No other intracranial anomalies were detected in any of the cases, and the finding resolved at 25 ± 2.6 weeks. The average extension length and width to the anterior horn were 0.7 ± 0.3 cm, and 0.5 ± 0.1 cm, respectively. Eleven fetuses (38%) had choroid plexus cyst (CPC) in addition to the extension. Ten patients (35%) completed a fetal brain MRI, with no identified abnormalities. Gross neurological exam and Apgar score at birth were normal.

CONCLUSION

Extension of CP to anterior horn with or without CPC at mid-trimester seems to have spontaneous resolution with likely a good prognosis and no further implications.

The predictive value of sonographic placental markers for adverse pregnancy outcome in women with chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine the rate of sonographic placental markers and their predictive value for preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction in women with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study of women with CKD followed at a tertiary referral center between 2016 and 2019 (n = 86). All women underwent 2nd trimester sonographic placental examinations that included assessment of placental morphology, umbilical cord, and uterine artery Doppler. Continuous placental markers were converted to multiples on medians (MoM).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Predictive value of sonographic markers for preeclampsia and birthweight < 10th percentile.

RESULTS

Women in the cohort had a high rate of preeclampsia (24.4%), birthweight < 10th% (26.7%), and preterm birth (30.2%). The most important markers were placental volume and uterine artery Doppler: the risk of preeclampsia was elevated in women with low placental volume (51.7% vs. 10.9%; OR = 8.79 [2.70-28.59] for preeclampsia; and 40.0% vs. 9.1%; OR = 6.67 [1.85-24.04] for preterm preeclampsia), and in women with bilateral uterine artery notching (62.5% vs. 20.8%; OR = 6.35 [1.37-29.45] for preeclampsia; and 62.5% vs. 10.4%; OR = 14.38 [1.29-71.75] for preterm preeclampsia). The combination of both markers had the strongest predictive value for preeclampsia (positive likelihood ratio = 8.25 [6.84-9.95]). Low placental volume and bilateral uterine notching were also associated with birthweight < 10th percentile.

CONCLUSION

A 2nd-trimester sonographic placental study can identify a subgroup of women with CKD who are at most risk of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Such data may inform their subsequent perinatal care and assist care providers in the often challenging distinction between preeclampsia flare of underlying CKD.