Spina bifida—ultrasonographic diagnosis in first and second trimesters

Accurate and timely prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida (SB) is a major challenge of actual antenatal care. The diagnosis of spina bifida may be only suspected during I trimester because the detection rate of intracranial traslucency is 50%; the final diagnosis is made in the II trimester by direct visualization of defect of spine or the presence of myelomeningocele or the visualization of indirect signs. When a spine defect is detected it is necessary a neurosurgical counseling with the patient .The degree of handicap and the survival rate depend on the level of injury, the size of the defect, and the presence of associated anomalies. In tertiary fetal medicine centers, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound allows an accurate determination of the location, type, extention of the defect. Maternal—fetal surgery for myelomeningocele repair must be offered to carefully selected patients even if there are significant maternal implications and complications