AUTHOR=Haddad Leila , Hadi Efrat , Leibovitz Zvi , Lev Dorit , Shalev Yoseph , Gindes Liat , Lerman-Sagie Tally 

TITLE=Small size, big problems: insights and difficulties in prenatal diagnosis of fetal microcephaly

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neuroscience

VOLUME=Volume 18 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2024.1347506

DOI=10.3389/fnins.2024.1347506

ISSN=1662-453X

ABSTRACT=Microcephaly is a sign, not a diagnosis. Its incidence varies widely due to the differences in the definition and the population being studied. It is strongly related to neurodevelopmental disorders. Differences in definitions and measurement techniques between fetuses and newborns pose a great challenge for the diagnosis and prognostication of fetal microcephaly. A false positive diagnosis can result (in countries where it is legal) in erroneous termination of pregnancy, where a false negative diagnosis might lead to the birth of a microcephalic newborn.In this article, we review the different definitions and etiologies of fetal microcephaly, discuss difficulties in diagnosis, investigate the reasons for the low yield of prenatal diagnosis, and provide improvement suggestions. Finally, we suggest an updated algorithm that will aid in the diagnosis and management of fetal microcephaly.