Keywords
neurosonography
fetal central nervous system
neurodevelopment
fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: Fetal neurosonography is an advanced ultrasound technique for prenatal assessment of the central nervous system (CNS), enabling detailed analysis of brain anatomy and detection of both subtle developmental disturbances and complex congenital malformations. With technological progress and standardization of examination techniques, it has evolved from a method used mainly to detect structural defects into a tool for assessing fetal brain maturation and development, becoming the primary imaging method for the CNS in prenatal diagnostics.
Aim: This paper presents the contemporary role of neurosonography in the prenatal diagnosis of the fetal central nervous system, with particular emphasis on its clinical applications, diagnostic capabilities, limitations, and prospects for further development.
Method: It is an analysis of current literature on fetal neurosonography and a narrative review, including the guidelines of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) and publications concerning examination technique, clinical indications, applications of neurosonography, and new directions in its development.
Results: Contemporary prenatal CNS diagnostics is based on a two-tier model comprising screening examination and detailed neurosonography performed in cases of suspected abnormalities or the presence of risk factors. Neurosonography is used for the diagnosis of brain developmental malformations, the assessment of cortical maturation, the evaluation of neuronal migration disorders, and the detection of changes associated with intrauterine growth restriction, congenital heart defects, intrauterine infections, and genetic diseases. The method enables detection of subtle neurodevelopmental disturbances even before unequivocal morphological changes appear. Its effectiveness, however, depends on gestational age, imaging quality, and the examiner's experience. In selected cases, diagnostics are supplemented by fetal magnetic resonance imaging. Artificial intelligence, radiomics, and quantitative neurosonography are also gaining increasing importance, as they may enhance the precision and objectivity of prenatal assessment.
Conclusions: Neurosonography constitutes the primary method for the prenatal assessment of the central nervous system. Its role systematically extends beyond the diagnosis of structural defects, encompassing assessment of brain maturation, qualification for genetic diagnostics, and support in evaluating neurological prognosis. The integration of modern imaging techniques with artificial intelligence tools and molecular diagnostics creates prospects for earlier detection of neurodevelopmental disorders and further development of personalized prenatal diagnostics.
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