Fetal Neurosonography

What would make this book unique is its focus on the fetal central nervous system (CNS) ultrasound, encompassing the wide range of CNS anomalies and the need for in-depth knowledge in fetal brain and spine normal anatomy and related abnormalities. From the anatomy and pathophysiology of the main CNS anomalies to the latest advancements in diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions, this book provides a thorough exploration of the subject matter.

One of the key strengths of this book series lies in its structured approach. Each volume follows an organized framework, enabling readers to navigate through the content effortlessly. From the fundamentals of CNS ultrasound imaging to the intricacies of differential diagnosis, counseling and management of CNS anomalies, this book presents information in a logical and accessible manner. This structure not only facilitates comprehension but also allows readers to quickly locate specific topics and delve deeper into areas of interest.

By creating this book, our aim is to fill a critical gap in the field of fetal medicine and ultrasound education. While numerous resources exist, this book stands out due to its comprehensive nature, covering both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of neurosonography. It also offers essential information for counseling and presents high-quality ultrasound images, enabling specialists to systematically and confidently approach normal CNS anatomy and accurately diagnose and manage CNS abnormalities, also exploring the role of additional imaging techniques, such as MRI, and genetic testing.

This book bridges the divide between research and clinical practice, equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide optimal care for women throughout their reproductive lifespan.

In conclusion, this book offers a resource for healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and students in the field, bridging the gap between theory and practice and aiming to elevate the standard of care in fetal neurosonography.

Normal anatomy of the brain. Screening planes. Fetal Neurosonography.- Cerebral ventriculomegaly. Hydrocephalus.- Holoprosencephaly and its variants.- Callosal dysgenesis.- Anomalies of the cavum septum pellucidum.- Cystic posterior fossa anomalies: Dandy-Walker Malformation, Blake’s Pouch Cyst, Mega Cisterna Magna, Vermian Hypoplasia.- Posterior fossa non-cystic malformations: cerebellar hypoplasia, pontocerebellar hypoplasia, rhomboencephalosynapsis.- Malformations of cortical development.- Destructive lesions of the brain: intra-cranial hemorrhage and stroke.- Intracranial cysts and Tumors.- Neural Tube defects.- Vascular lesions of the brain (Aneurysm of Galein vein, thrombosis of torcular Herophili).- First trimester neurosonography.- The role of MRI in the diagnosis of cerebral malformations.

Paolo Volpe was born in Bari (Puglia), Italy. After completing cum laude his Medical studies, he gained the Specialization in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Bari. In view of his interest in prenatal diagnosis he had several international fellowships (Paris, San Francisco). Since 2007 is the Head of Fetal Medicine Unit - Di Venere & Sarcone Hospital, Bari, Italy.

Leading the Regional Tertiary Referral Unit for Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, with a special interest on congenital anomalies, complex syndromes and maternal complications. His Unit is a reference for clinical, scientific and training goals; over the years, he has trained a large number of residents in Obstetrics and Gynecology in the use of ultrasound technology and supported the development of the high task training network for the Southern Italy. His main fields of research are the fetal heart and brain. He’s also involved in several national and regional educational programs for improving maternal health and pregnancy outcome.

Since 2014 he has worked consistently in the introduction and the spread of early prevention protocols for preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction, providing a model for clinical setting and organizing the regional training for operators. Dr Volpe is coordinating the implementation of NIPT across the country. For this reason, in 2016 he joined the National Committee of the Italian Major Health Institute (ISS) as counsellor for the validation and use of cell free DNA testing in the national screening program.

Dr. Volpe is author of several original articles, as well as of book chapters, textbooks, DVD video-atlas and ad hoc reviews, concerning the prenatal diagnosis and the management and counseling of fetuses carrying fetal malformations, including the following: the well-known textbook “Ultrasound of Congenital Fetal Anomalies: Differential Diagnosis and Prognostic Indicators”, now translated into differentlanguages; the recent “Manual of Fetal Echocardiography”, which is a reference for clinical and educational purposes. He has been an early founder of the Italian Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (SIEOG), which lead as President in 2008-2010. Throughout last years he has actively worked in the Italian Society, participating in the editorial of the national guidelines and in the Italian educational programs. He is also co-author of the WAPM guidelines on the Central Nervous System and First Trimester evaluation. He is a member of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) and honoured in the Advisory Group from 2010 to 2020. In 2016 Dr Volpe has joined the organizing committee of the ISUOG World Congress in Rome, that welcomed over 2200 participants. He is also reviewer/referee for over 10 peer-reviewed journals in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prenatal Diagnosis, Heart, Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy, Pediatrics, ecc).

Tullio Ghi was born in Italy in 1973. He graduated at the Medical School of the University of Bologna, where he completed his training in Ob-Gyn. From 2000 until 2001 he was at King’s College Hospital for a fellowship in Fetal Medicine. He has a phD in fetal Medicine at the University of Milan (2002-2005). From 2003 to 2014 he served as consultant of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University Hospital of Bologna. From 2014 to 2024 he was based at the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Parma, where he has been appointed as Full Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Director of the Residency School in Obstetrics and Gynecology and President of the Midwifery School and where he was the head of Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit at the University Hospital from 2021. From October 2024 he serves as full Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Catholic University and Chairman of the Obstetrics Unit at the Gemelli Hospital of Rome

His main fields of research are on obstetrics, ultrasound in labor, feto-maternal medicine and prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies. He has published more than 300 peer review articles and edited or contributed to numerous books. He is member of the Scientific Committee of the International Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) and is in the board of the Italian Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology