ADVANCED FETAL IMAGING: EVALUATING THE ROLE OF HIGH-RESOLUTION ULTRASOUND IN DETECTING EARLY PERINATAL ANOMALIES

Abstract

Objective: Early identification of perinatal anomalies remains a central goal in contemporary prenatal care due to its influence on pregnancy management and neonatal outcomes. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of early prenatal assessment in detecting perinatal anomalies and to examine detection patterns across gestational age intervals within a routine clinical setting.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary perinatal care centre. Pregnant women with singleton pregnancies presenting during early gestation were enrolled consecutively. Maternal demographics and gestational age were recorded at assessment. Perinatal anomalies were classified by organ system and clinical severity. Outcomes included anomaly detection, gestational age at detection, and confirmation status on follow-up. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied to summarise findings.

Results: A total of 180 pregnancies were analysed. Perinatal anomalies were identified in 41 cases, with central nervous system and cardiovascular anomalies representing the most frequent categories. Early gestational assessment demonstrated high confirmation rates for detected anomalies. Detection rates were highest during the earliest gestational interval and declined as gestational age advanced. The majority of detected anomalies were confirmed on follow-up evaluation, supporting diagnostic reliability during early assessment.

Conclusion: Early prenatal assessment facilitated effective detection of clinically relevant perinatal anomalies and demonstrated higher diagnostic yield during early gestation. These findings supported the integration of early anomaly assessment into routine perinatal care to enhance diagnostic preparedness and clinical decision-making.