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Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
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Spina Bifida

A Review of the Importance of Sonography’s Role in Its Detection

Elke E. Wingate, AS, RDMS, RT(R)

Lebanon, Tennessee

Jody Arnold Hancock, MAED, RDMS, RT(R)

Chattanooga State Technical Community College, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Kelley E. Churchwell, AS, RDMS, RT(R)

Kingsport, Tennessee

Monica J. Pipkins, RDMS, RVT

Joelton, Tennessee

Spina bifida is a serious birth defect that involves an incomplete closure of the spine, spinal cord, brain, and/or protective covering of the fetal spine. Even though the causes of spina bifida are still uncertain, diabetes, obesity, severe hyperthermia in early pregnancies, and poor nutrition are believed to be causes of neural tube defects (NTDs). Because spina bifida may go undetected by •-fetoprotein screening and amniocentesis, sonography becomes a valuable tool in its identification. Spina bifida can also affect the fetal brain, so sonography is important in detecting any abnormal fetal head signs associated with Arnold-Chiari (type II) malformation. Surgical planning is another important part of sonography’s role when detecting NTDs. Although still in experimental stages, in utero repair has proven beneficial in some cases of spina bifida after careful sonographic assessment as part of the treatment considerations.

Key Words: neural-tube defects • sonography • spina bifida • spina bifida occulta • spina bifida cystica • meningocele • myelomeningocele • Arnold-Chiari (type II) malformation

Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Vol. 20, No. 4, 227-237 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/8756479304266685
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