Characteristics of the development of the corpus callosum of the brain in large fetuses: An ultrasound study

The dynamics of the intrauterine development of the corpus callosum (CC) of the brain were studied in a prospective cohort trial of 100 large fetuses (birth weight 4000 g and above, group mean 4350 ± 250 g) with symmetrical and asymmetrical development in terms of the weight-to-length coefficient. The control group consisted of 50 fetuses with mean body weight 3452 ± 287 g. The length, thickness, and width of the CC were measured by multiplane ultrasound scanning. Slowing of the rate of increase in CC length was found in large fetuses from week 33 as compared with the control group. Comparative analysis of CC measures in large fetuses in relation to developmental symmetry revealed significantly smaller length from week 27. CC width in large fetuses with asymmetrical development was significantly smaller than with symmetrical development from week 21 to the end of the development period. © 2017, Springer Science+Business Media New York.