11-13 Weeks: Fetal anomalies

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15 reasons why 11-13 weeks is the best time to detect severe CHD (for CHD screening):

  1. Majority of CHD are already present
  2. Detection rate by experts was reported as high as 85%
  3. Patterns of CHD are easy recognisable
  4. Uncomplicated scanning protocol
  5. It is easy to perform standardisation of the heart examination
  6. Diagnosis of heart anomaly can facilitate further meticulous examination and detect extra cardiac anomalies
  7. Parents have much more time for decision making
  8. Fetus lies in the best position for heat examination
  9. Doctors/sonographers are easy trained for early heart scan
  10. There is enough time for invasive testing (if needed)
  11. Termination of the pregnancy (in the cases of incorrectable CHD) is less traumatic comparing to 20 weeks
  12. There is an option of additional transvaginal (TVS) scan
  13. Short examination time (fast scan)
  14. Not need to do sophisticated technology like STIC
  15. Anomalies not detected at 11-13 weeks still have chance to be diagnosed at 20 weeks (two stage protocol)

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We believe that now it is the time of urgent change of strategy for 11-13 weeks Fetal Ultrasound Scan. In nearest future non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) based on cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) analysis will replace ultrasound based screening for the Down’s syndrome. Therefore there is a desperate need to move from nuchal translucency NT measurement based 11-13 weeks scan to early pregnancy anomaly scan (EPAS).

Early pregnancy anomaly scan (EPAS) represents a complete anatomical assessment of the early Fetus.

The two most important components of it are evaluation of The Heart and The Brain. Undoubtedly examination of other structures (like extremities, abdominal wall, etc.) is also integral part of EPAS.

LSUS is proud to offer a unique educational series comprised of three courses on alternative approach to 11-13 weeks scan:

  • Early fetal echocardiography: How to detect heart defects at 11-13 weeks.
  • Early fetal neurosonography: Anomalies of brain, spine and face at 11-13 weeks.
  • Early Pregnancy Anomaly Scan (EPAS): Alternative approach to nuchal translucency (NT) scan at 11-13 weeks.

Early fetal echocardiography: How to detect heart defects at 11-13 weeks.

We believe that this course is our most important educational event. It is all about global changing of strategy for severe CHD screening from 20 weeks to 12 weeks.

The screening for CHD at 11-13 weeks is based on direct examination of the heart. We are active opponents of widespread use of surrogate markers like NT, DV and TR for CHD screening.

Early Fetal Neurosonography: Anomalies of brain, spine and face at 11-13 weeks.

This is absolutely unique course and we promise that you have no any other chance to get this information about early presentation and diagnosis of CNS anomalies.

For nearly 10 years we have been systematically performed high-resolution neurosonography at 11-13 weeks. The quality of the early brain imaging is amazing. We have diagnosed hundreds brain anomalies and have follow-up for unusual findings. We have developed nearly 100% early detection of Spina bifida by use of “crash sign” and “dried-up” brain appearance. The results of the study are yet to be published, however meanwhile we would like to share our preliminary but extensive experience with our colleagues.

The aim of the course is to give the doctors comprehensive review of practical tools for examination of the 11-13 weeks brain and to give them updated information about clinical significance of early CNS findings.

The other important aim of the course is to boost exploration of the early brain in medical centers around the world.