Measurement of fetal conus distance with 3D ultrasonography as a reliable prenatal diagnosis method for tethered cord syndrome

Abstract Aim The aim of this study is to investigate if three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasonography is a reliable diagnosis method for prenatal tethered cord syndrome (TCS) by measuring fetal conus distance (CD) in comparison to two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods This retrospective study included 468 normal fetuses as control group and 14 TCS fetuses as tethered group. CD were measured by 2D, 3D ultrasonography and MRI, and the reliability and repeatability of CD measurement was compared between two experienced ultrasound specialists or among the multiple measurements for each specialist. Results The results showed that 3D ultrasonography was superior to 2D ultrasonography in the repeatability of measuring CD. The CD were positively correlated to gestational ages in control group (P < 0.05). The CD of TCS group (−1.342 ± 0.124) was significantly shorter than that of normal control group (0.013 ± 0.965) ( P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the effectiveness of locating conus medullaris and measuring CD between 3D ultrasonography and MRI.Conclusion Measurement of fetal CD with 3D ultrasonography can serve as a reliable and cost‐effective prenatal diagnosis method for TCS.