Chinese expert consensus on fetal ultrasound anatomical examination at 11 +0 to 13 +6 gestational weeks: results of the Delphi procedure

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed to develop a standardized expert consensus on anatomical examination of first-trimester fetal ultrasound. Methods Based on the Delphi procedure, 122 experts from 27 grades of medical institutions throughout China answered a two-round questionnaire. Items for which 75% of experts stated that they should be included were designated as recommended items; other items were designated suggested items. Results Fetal anatomical ultrasound examinations in early pregnancy were divided into basic (class I), detailed (class II), and targeted (class III) categories. Examinations included one measurement project (6 sub-projects) and 10 examination projects (26 sub-projects) containing recommended and suggested contents. Items measured and examined in both the basic and detailed examinations were consistent. However, items such as the anterior palate, kidney, and genital tubercle were included as recommended items in the basic examination, but not in the detailed examination. Eleven planes examined in the targeted fetal CNS examination, including suprathalamic axial view, transsection of thalamus, anteroposterior median sagittal profile, and coronal section of transfrontal lobe, were recommended, whereas the remaining seven were suggested. Conclusions This expert consensus will help guide medical institutions of different levels and medical work of different qualifications to perform standardized ultrasonic anatomical examination of fetuses in early pregnancy. Furthermore, this expert consensus provides evidence-based medical evidence for the early screening of fetal malformations.