Transverse cerebellar diameter: a reliable predictor of gestational age

OBJECTIVES: To determine accuracy of transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) measurement in the prediction of gestational age (GA) in normal fetuses; to develop reference chart for TCD according to GA in Indian population. DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional study. METHOD: Ultrasonographic measurements in 300 singleton pregnant women included biparietal diameter (cm), head circumference (cm), abdominal circumference (cm), femur length (cm) and transverse cerebellar diameter (cm). Reference chart with mean TCD for corresponding gestational age (GA) in weeks was developed. RESULTS: Statistically significant relationship found between TCD and gestational age (R2=0.92, p=0.0006). Regression formulae based on TCD with other parameter can be used to predict gestational age of foetus. When TCD is compared with findings in other studies in different ethnic population, it is found that there is significant difference exists. CONCLUSION: In normally developing fetuses the TCD has linear correlation with advancing gestational age. A separate reference chart is required for every different population because ethnicity, nutrition and environmental factors can have impact on normal TCD values. This will help to avoid misinterpretation of data to determine gestational age.