The Transverse Cerebellar Diameter Cannot Be Used to Assess Gestational Age in the Small-for-Gestational-Age Fetus

Abstract

The transverse cerebellar diameter was obtained in 44 small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses between 27-42.8 weeks. Twenty-nine of 44 fetuses had antepartum and/or neonatal complications consistent with intrauterine growth retardation. The cerebellar diameter was normal in 12 (27.3%), between 1-2 SDs below the mean for gestational age in six (13.6%), and greater than 2 SDs below the mean in 26 (59.1%). Hence, the transverse cerebellar diameter cannot be used to assess gestational age in those fetuses suspected of being SGA.