Level 2 Ultrasound

 

What Is Level 2 Ultrasound in Pregnancy?

Level 2 ultrasound also known as Anomaly scan or 20-week ultrasound or 2nd trimester ultrasound is a type of prenatal scan that is used for the assessment and evaluation of anatomical details of the developing fetus, placenta as well as maternal pelvic or internal reproductive organs.

The main aim of anomaly/targeted scan is to detect congenital malformations and fetal growth abnormalities. It also identifies placental pathologies, helps in planning the mode and time of delivery and evaluates if there is any need to terminate pregnancy.

Level 2 scan is usually done between 18-22 weeks of gestation (2nd trimester). It utilizes sound waves and a computer to produce images delineating anatomical details of fetus and maternal pelvic organs. Level 2 scan relies on identification of soft markers along with pre-defined structural malformations for screening various aneuploidies such as Down syndrome.

Level 2 sonogram/scan is indicated in every pregnant woman and in each pregnancy. Usually, 2-D anomaly scan is conducted. However, 3D scans, Tvs scan and color doppler scan al though not used routinely, may be indicated for further evaluation in certain cases such as high suspicion of fetal anomalies or cases of placenta previa.

What Are the Uses of Level 2 Scan in Pregnancy?

Your obstetrician may order a level 2 scan for screening, detection, diagnosis, management and monitoring of various conditions affecting fetus, placenta or maternal pelvic organs. It can demonstrate the following findings:

• In Fetus
1. Chromosomal aneuploidies including Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13), Edward syndrome (Trisomy 18).
2. Anencephaly
3. Omphalocele
4.  Gastroschisis
5.  Congenital heart defect such as septal defects, Epstein’s anomaly, hypoplastic left ventricle etc.
6. Spina Bifida
7. Diaphragmatic hernia
8. Osteochondrodysplasia
9. Cleft lip
10. Renal agenesis
11. Esophageal atresia
12. Congenital Hydrocephalus
13. Different Fetal parameters can also be assessed including:
    • Fetal cardiac activity
    • Gestational age of fetus
    • Fetal position
    • Fetal weight etc.
14. Limb abnormalities
15. IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction).

• Placental findings
1. Placenta previa  
2. Circumvallate placenta
3.  Circummarginate placenta
4.  Placenta succenturiata
5.  Placenta accreta
6.  Bilobed placenta
7.  Placenta spuria
8.  Battledore placenta
9.  Velamentous cord insertion
10.  Two-vessel cord/Single umbilical artery
11.  Vasa previa etc.

• Maternal findings: 
1. Assessment of uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries
2. Multiple pregnancy
3. Amniotic fluid volume
4. Uterine fibroids
5. Ovarian cysts
6. Congenital uterine malformations (Mullerian malformations) including:
• Unicornuate uterus
• Bicornuate uterus
• Septate uterus
• Uterine didelphys etc

FOR MORE INFO

CONTACT US:

+91 9289747483