Determination of the Normative Value of Fetal Left Brachiocephalic Vein Diameter Using Ultrasound in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India.

INTRODUCTION

Fetal ultrasound plays a vital role in prenatal care by offering key insights into fetal growth and facilitating the early identification of congenital abnormalities. Among various anatomical structures, the fetal left brachiocephalic vein (FLBCV) plays a significant role in fetal circulation, yet normative data for FLBCV dimensions are limited, particularly in diverse populations. This study aims to establish normative values for FLBCV diameter in fetuses between 18 and 23 weeks of gestation in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. Such data are essential for accurate clinical assessment and early diagnosis of potential congenital anomalies.

METHODOLOGY

This descriptive study was conducted at the College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital, Kolkata, India, from January to December 2022. The study included 287 singleton pregnancies between 18 and 23 weeks of gestation, excluding cases with maternal or fetal conditions that could affect the measurements. LBCV diameter was measured using transabdominal ultrasound, and the normative values were established using percentile charts. Correlation analyses were performed to assess the relationship between FLBCV diameter and various fetal and maternal parameters. Linear regression analysis was done to identify significant predictors of FLBCV diameter.

RESULTS

FLBCV diameter showed a consistent increase with gestational age, ranging from a median of 1.87 mm at 18 completed weeks to 2.27 mm at 22 completed weeks. The 95th percentile values exhibited more pronounced growth, particularly between 18 and 20 weeks. Significant positive correlations were observed between FLBCV diameter and fetal biometric parameters such as biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length. Head circumference emerged as the most significant predictor (p=0.007) of FLBCV diameter in the linear regression model.

CONCLUSION

This study provides essential normative data on FLBCV diameter for the Indian population, offering a valuable reference for clinicians in prenatal diagnostics. The incorporation of FLBCV measurement in basic fetal echocardiography, which is a part of the second-trimester fetal anomaly scan, could enhance the detection of congenital anomalies, contributing to improved prenatal care.