Development of the Fetal Spinal Cord

Journal of Ultrasound in MedicineVolume 25, Issue 11 p. 1397-1401 Article Development of the Fetal Spinal Cord Time of Ascendance of the Normal Conus Medullaris as Detected by Sonography Yaron Zalel MD, Corresponding Author Yaron Zalel MD zalel_y@netvision.net.il Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, IsraelAddress correspondence to Yaron Zalel, MD, Ultrasound Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel Hashomer, Israel.Search for more papers by this authorOfer Lehavi MD, Ofer Lehavi MD Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, IsraelSearch for more papers by this authorOrna Aizenstein MD, Orna Aizenstein MD Department of Radiology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.Search for more papers by this authorReuwen Achiron MD, Reuwen Achiron MD Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, IsraelSearch for more papers by this author Yaron Zalel MD, Corresponding Author Yaron Zalel MD zalel_y@netvision.net.il Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, IsraelAddress correspondence to Yaron Zalel, MD, Ultrasound Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel Hashomer, Israel.Search for more papers by this authorOfer Lehavi MD, Ofer Lehavi MD Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, IsraelSearch for more papers by this authorOrna Aizenstein MD, Orna Aizenstein MD Department of Radiology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.Search for more papers by this authorReuwen Achiron MD, Reuwen Achiron MD Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, IsraelSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 November 2006 https://doi.org/10.7863/jum.2006.25.11.1397Citations: 45Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract Objective. The purpose of this study was to perform high-resolution sonographic examinations to determine the normal anatomic relationship of the conus medullaris (CM) of the spinal cord with the vertebral column during different stages of gestation. Methods. In this prospective study, fetal sonographic evaluations were performed between 13 and 40 weeks' gestation. Transvaginal probes (7.5–8 MHz) or abdominal probes (5–8 MHz) were used, depending on gestational age and position of the fetus. The CM was located in coronal longitudinal sections. The positions of the kidneys and lumbosacral junction and the origin of the ribs determined the location of the vertebrae. The locations of the CM were divided into 5 groups according to their positions relative to the vertebrae. Results. A total of 110 fetuses between 13 and 40 weeks' gestation were studied. Between 13 and 18 weeks' gestation, the CM was situated at the level of the L4 vertebra, or more caudally, in 100% of the fetuses. At term, all fetuses showed the CM above L2. A distinct ascent of the CM was detected between 13 and 40 weeks' gestation. The results were statistically significant (P <.0001). Conclusions. A distinguishable ascent of the CM in relation to the vertebral column during fetal life was detected. Citing Literature Volume25, Issue11November 2006Pages 1397-1401 RelatedInformation