Correlation Between the Mean Gestational Age and Mean Transverse Cerebellar Diameter in Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective:  To determine the correlation of mean gestational age and mean transverse cerebellar diameter in third trimester of pregnancy.

Methodology: This study was conducted in Department of Radiology at POF hospital wah cantt from August 2015 to February 2016. A total of 150 women singleton gestations refer to the ultrasound were included in this study. Fetal intracranial anatomy was reviewed through transverse views. Transverse Cerebellar Diameter was measured by ultrasound machine by placing calipers at the outer-to-outer margins of cerebellum. All the measurements were taken as average of two measurements to decrease intra observer variability. All the information was recorded on a predesigned performa.

Results: The mean age of the women in the study was noted to be 26.53±4.14 years. The average gestational age was 31.95±3.97 weeks in our study sample. The mean value of transverse cerebellar diameter was recorded as 29.49±5.90 mm. A significant positive correlation was observed between fetal Transverse Cerebellar Diameter (TCD) and gestational age of the women for the whole sample. The value of Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was calculated to be 0.945 with a highly significant P-value < 0.001.

Conclusion: A significant positive correlation was observed between fetal Transverse Cerebellar Diameter (TCD) and gestational age. It can be concluded that gestational age can be correctly and reliably estimated though transverse cerebellar diameter. It can be used as accurate and independent parameter for estimation of gestational age in second and third trimester.