Fetal cleft lip and palate: sonographic diagnosis, chromosomal abnormalities, associated anomalies and postnatal outcome in 70 fetuses.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between facial clefts, associated malformations and chromosomal abnormalities. STUDY DESIGN: Sonograms of 70 fetuses with cleft lip with or without cleft palate were prospectively and retrospectively evaluated in our tertiary referral center for the nature of the cleft lip or palate and for the nature of the associated anomalies. Additionally, karyotyping was performed in 63 of the 70 patients (90%). RESULTS: The frequency of additional anomalies and the mortality rate in this selected population varied with the type of cleft. None of the fetuses presenting an isolated cleft lip had additional anomalies and all survived. All fetuses presenting a median facial cleft had concurrent anomalies (particularly of the central nervous system (90%)) and a fatal outcome. Associated defects were more frequent in fetuses with bilateral clefts (72%) than in those with unilateral clefts (48%). Fetuses with a unilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate had a better survival rate (52%) than those with a bilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate (35%). The frequency and type of chromosomal abnormalities varied with the type of cleft. The highest rate of chromosomal abnormalities was found in fetuses with median clefts (82%). CONCLUSIONS: Although no conclusions regarding the prevalence of chromosomal or other anomalies in patients with a cleft lip with or without cleft palate in the general population could be drawn, the study revealed a strong relationship between the type of facial cleft, associated malformations, chromosomal abnormalities and fetal outcome.     

Prenatal diagnosis of cleft palate by three-dimensional ultrasound

Prenatal diagnosis of cleft palate is very important to prenatal consultation and management after birth. To examine if three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound (US) is an accurate diagnostic method for clinical use, we analyzed our experience in detecting cleft palate by 3-D US. From June 1996 to January 2000, 21 fetuses with facial clefts were scanned by 2-D US, as well as by 3-D US. The coronal and oblique planes were reconstructed by 3-D US to detect the cleft palate. In addition, level II US was performed to find any possibly associated anomalies. All the scans were recorded on optic disks for final analysis. In our study, the gestational age when prenatal diagnosis was made by US initially was between 20 and 34 weeks. The accuracy for prenatal diagnosis of cleft lip with or without cleft palate by 3-D US was 100%, which was superior to that by 2-D US (p < 0.05). In addition, we proposed a novel method to evaluate the cleft palate systemically by 3-D US. In conclusion, from our study, fetuses with cleft lip combined with or without cleft palate can be easily differentiated by 3-D US. The reconstruction of coronal and oblique planes by 3-D US is a powerful tool for detecting cleft palate.     

Prevalence of aneuploidy and additional anatomic abnormalities in fetuses and neonates with cleft lip with or without cleft palate: a population-based study in Utah.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of aneuploidy and additional major anatomic abnormalities in fetuses and neonates with cleft lip with or without cleft palate. METHODS: All cases of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (cleft lip/cleft palate) occurring in Utah from 1995 through 1999 were reviewed by using the Utah Birth Defect Network population-based surveillance system. All pregnancy outcomes are included (stillborn, live born, and termination) in this analysis. RESULTS: Of 263 cases of cleft lip/cleft palate, 72 (27.4%) were unilateral cleft lip, 112 (42.6%) were unilateral cleft lip and cleft palate, 12 (4.6%) were bilateral cleft lip, and 67 (25.5%) were bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate. Fifteen (5.7%) of the 263 fetuses and neonates were aneuploid. One (1.2%) with cleft lip (unilateral and bilateral combined) was aneuploid. Five (4.5%) of the fetuses and neonates with unilateral cleft lip and cleft palate were aneuploid compared with 9 (13.4%) of fetuses and neonates with bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate. In known or presumed euploid fetuses and neonates, additional sonographically occult major anatomic abnormalities occurred in 5 (7.0%) of 71 with unilateral cleft lip, 18 (16.8%) of 107 with unilateral cleft lip and cleft palate, 1 (8.3%) of 12 with bilateral cleft lip, and 12 (20.7%) of 58 with bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate. These abnormalities primarily involved the heart and the central nervous system. CONCLUSIONS: Amniocentesis for karyotype should be offered in all cases of cleft lip/cleft palate because of the risk of aneuploidy. Patients should be counseled that sonographically occult additional anatomic abnormalities might be present with all clefts.     

Fetal cleft lip and palate detection by three-dimensional ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate a standardized approach for the evaluation of cleft lip and palate by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of seven fetuses with confirmed facial cleft anomalies. Post-natal findings were compared to a blinded review of 3D volume data from abnormal fetuses with seven other normal fetuses that were matched for gestational age. Upper lip integrity was examined by 3D multiplanar imaging. Sequential axial views were used to evaluate the maxillary tooth-bearing alveolar ridge contour and anterior tooth socket alignment. Alveolar ridge disruption suggested cleft palate. Premaxillary protrusion, either by multiplanar imaging or surface rendering, indicated bilateral cleft lip and palate. RESULTS: Post-natal findings confirmed bilateral cleft lip and palate (four cases), unilateral cleft lip and palate (one case), and unilateral cleft lip (two cases). Multiplanar review identified all three fetuses with unilateral cleft lip, three of four fetuses with bilateral cleft lip, one fetus with unilateral cleft palate, and three of four fetuses with bilateral cleft palate. Surface rendering correctly identified all cleft lips, with the exception of one fetus, who was thought to have a unilateral cleft lip and palate, despite the actual presence of a bilateral lesion. One cleft palate defect was directly visualized by 3D surface rendering. No false-positives occurred. CONCLUSION: Interactive review of standardized 3D multiplanar images allows one to evaluate labial defects, abnormalities of the maxillary tooth-bearing alveolar ridge, and presence of premaxillary protrusion for detecting cleft lip and palate anomalies. Surface rendering may increase diagnostic confidence for normal or abnormal studies. This technology provides an array of visualization tools that may improve the prenatal characterization of facial clefts, particularly of the palate.     

产前超声在评价腭裂骨缺损中的应用

目的 总结不同类型、程度腭裂骨缺损的胎儿产前超声特征.方法 回顾2018年2月至2019年10月在武汉大学人民医院诊断的唇腭裂、单纯腭裂和黏膜下腭裂胎儿上腭的二维和三维图像,对照出生后或引产后结果进行分析.结果 产前超声诊断并随访到47例唇腭裂、3例单纯腭裂和2例黏膜下腭裂.牙槽突裂病例中,均可见牙槽突回声中断,97....     

二维超声及三维超声多种成像技术在胎儿唇腭裂畸形诊断中的联合应用

目的研究二维超声及三维超声多种成像技术在胎儿唇腭裂畸形诊断中的图像特征。 方法选取2016年1月至2017年12月在南京医科大学附属苏州医院产科接受中孕期结构畸形筛查发现唇腭部异常的胎儿均行三维超声表面成像、断层成像（TUI）及自由解剖成像（OmniView模式）多种成像技术联合检查,并随访至出生后或引产后。结合产前超声检查图像,研究唇腭裂胎儿颜面部三维超声图像特征。 结果产前超声筛查的19 168例中孕期胎儿中检出唇腭部结构畸形36例（0.19%）。36例唇腭裂胎儿超声征象：单纯唇裂（CL）8例,二维、TUI及OmniView模式均检出胎儿唇裂;三维表面成像漏诊1例唇红裂。二维及三维成像技术均显示胎儿上唇连续性中断,但三维成像显示更直观。唇裂合并上牙槽突裂（CLA）11例,二维超声显示8例,三维表面成像、TUI均诊断9例,漏诊2例,OmniView技术诊断10例,漏诊1例,联合检查诊断10例,漏诊1例。主要超声征像：上唇及上牙槽突连续性中断,二维超声对于牙槽突裂显示较困难,TUI及OmniView可从多角度显示牙槽突裂。唇裂合并腭裂（CLP）17例,二维超声（诊断10例）、三维超声表面成像模式（诊断13例）、TUI（诊断15例）、OmniView模式（诊断16例）均未全部检出;而17例CLP经联合检查全部检出。超声征象为上唇、原发腭及继发腭的连续中断,断层成像及OmniView可从多角度显示原发腭及继发腭,优于二维超声对于原发腭及继发腭的显示。 结论产前二维超声及三维超声能清晰显示胎儿唇裂,但对于腭裂,三维超声多种成像模式图像优于二维超声,产前超声筛查联合三维多成像技术能清晰显示胎儿颜面部异常,减少唇腭裂的漏诊。     

孕早期超声观察腭线筛查胎儿唇腭裂

目的 评价孕早期超声观察腭线筛查胎儿唇腭裂的价值。方法 回顾性分析14 360胎接受超声颈后透明层厚度（NT）检查的孕早期胎儿,观察胎儿腭线表现,记录胎儿转归,评价孕早期超声观察腭线筛查胎儿唇腭裂的效能。结果 孕早期超声提示14 327胎（14 327/14 360,99.77%）腭线正常,其中7胎经随访证实存在唇腭裂;33胎（33/14 360,0.23%）腭线异常,其中4胎腭线为小裂隙,随访证实无唇腭裂,29胎随访证实腭线异常,包括小裂隙8胎、大裂隙4胎、前部缺失11胎及腭线变细/变短6胎。孕中期超声提示36胎唇腭裂,并于出生后或经引产证实,包括4胎单纯唇裂、10胎单纯继发性腭裂、17胎单侧唇腭裂,5胎双侧唇腭裂。超声观察腭线预测胎儿唇腭裂的敏感度为80.56%（29/36）,特异度为99.97%（14 320/14 324）,阳性预测值为87.88%（29/33）,阴性预测值为99.95%（14 320/14 327）。结论 孕早期超声观察胎儿NT平面腭线可作为筛查胎儿唇腭裂的指标,值得推广。     

Premaxillary protrusion: a sonographic clue to bilateral cleft lip and palate

Sonograms from 49 fetuses with cleft lip, with or without cleft palate, were reviewed. Among 37 fetuses with adequate pathologic or clinical correlation, 10 (27%) demonstrated premaxillary protrusion, seen as a paranasal echogenic mass. Nine of ten fetuses with a paranasal echogenic mass proved to have bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate. Conversely, only two of 27 fetuses who did not show a paranasal echogenic mass proved to have bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate, and neither of these fetuses showed premaxillary protrusion at birth. Sonographic evaluation of the cleft alone erroneously misclassified eight fetuses with bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate as having unilateral clefts. Premaxillary protrusion is an important clue to the presence of cleft lip and cleft palate and may be more conspicuous than the cleft itself. Furthermore, the presence of a paranasal echogenic mass favors the presence of bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate, even when sonographic evaluation of the cleft itself suggests a unilateral cleft. This information should be useful in the detection and management of fetuses with suspected facial clefts.     

唇腭裂胎儿产前超声检查诊断分析

目的探讨胎儿唇腭裂超声表现及显示切面,提高唇腭裂的产前超声诊断率。方法选取我院经引产或产后证实的唇腭裂胎儿28例,对比产前超声检查与引产后或产后唇腭裂的类型。结果 28例经引产或产后证实的唇腭裂胎儿中,单纯唇裂5例,唇腭裂22例,单纯腭裂1例;产前检出23例,其中误诊裂口类型2例,漏诊5例。结论胎儿唇裂、原发腭裂、正中腭裂经连续性颜面部三正交切面诊断准确性较高;胎儿完全腭裂及唇裂伴继发腭裂需补充特殊切面;单纯性继发腭裂产前超声诊断仍有较大困难。     

产前超声诊断胎儿全前脑及其面部畸形

目的 观察胎儿全前脑畸形(HPE)及其面部畸形的声像图特点,探讨产前超声诊断HPE的价值。方法 回顾性分析我院产前超声诊断或拟诊的15胎HPE的超声表现,与引产后尸体解剖结果进行对照分析。结果 15胎HPE中,无叶型10胎,半叶型5胎,均伴不同程度、不同部位面部畸形,其中独眼畸形7胎、正中唇腭裂4胎、猴头畸形2胎、头发育不全畸胎1胎、轻度眼距过近1胎。27处面部畸形中,以眼、鼻、唇、腭等中轴结构多处受累、多种畸形组合为主,超声诊断符合率为70.37%(19/27)。10胎合并面部以外其他结构异常(共30处),7胎为多发畸形,超声诊断符合率76.67%(23/30)。结论 超声可准确显示HPE的典型颅内改变和特殊的面部畸形,有助于诊断及鉴别诊断。     

Prenatal diagnosis of dysmorphic syndromes by routine fetal ultrasound examination across Europe.

OBJECTIVES: Ultrasound scan in the mid-trimester of pregnancy is now a routine part of prenatal care in most European countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prenatal diagnosis of dysmorphic syndromes by fetal ultrasound examination. METHODS: Data from 20 registries of congenital malformations in 12 European countries were included in the study. RESULTS: There were 2454 cases with congenital heart diseases, 479 of which were recognized syndromes, including 375 chromosomal anomalies and 104 syndromes without chromosomal anomalies. Fifty-one of the 104 were detected prenatally (49.0%). One hundred and ninety-two of 1130 cases with renal anomalies were recognized syndromes, including 128 chromosomal anomalies and 64 syndromes without chromosomal anomalies; 162 of them (84.4%) were diagnosed prenatally, including 109 chromosomal anomalies and 53 non-chromosomal syndromes. Fifty-four of the 250 cases with limb defects were recognized syndromes, including 16 chromosomal syndromes and 38 syndromes without chromosomal anomalies; 21 of these 54 syndromes were diagnosed prenatally (38.9%), including 9 chromosomal syndromes. There were 243 cases of abdominal wall defects including 57 recognizable syndromes, 48 with omphalocele and 9 with gastroschisis; 48 were diagnosed prenatally (84.2%). Twenty-six of the 187 cases with diaphragmatic hernia had recognized syndromes, including 20 chromosomal aberrations and 6 syndromes without chromosomal anomalies. Twenty-two of them (84.6%) were detected prenatally. Sixty-four of 349 cases with intestinal anomalies were recognized syndromes; 24 were diagnosed prenatally (37.5%). There were 553 cases of cleft lip and palate (CL(P)) and 198 of cleft palate (CP) including 74 chromosomal anomalies and 73 recognized non-chromosomal syndromes. Prenatal diagnosis was made in 51 cases of CL(P) (53.7%) and 7 of CP (13.7%). Twenty-two of 188 anencephalic cases were syndromic and all were diagnosed prenatally. Of 290 cases with spina bifida, 18 were recognized syndromes, and of them 17 were diagnosed prenatally. All 11 syndromic encephaloceles were diagnosed prenatally. CONCLUSIONS: Around 50% of the recognized syndromes which are associated with major congenital anomalies (cardiac, renal, intestinal, limb defects, abdominal wall defects and oral clefts) can be detected prenatally by the anomaly scan. However the detection rate varies with the type of syndrome and with the different countries' policies of prenatal screening.     

提高产前超声诊断胎儿唇腭裂效率的方法

目的 分析临床病史结合唇腭部常规三切面、上牙槽突横切面、其他特殊切面与三维超声配合胎儿不同体位对提高产前超声诊断胎儿唇腭裂效率的协助作用。 方法 对我院2014年9月~2016年12月7000例中孕期（孕20~24+6周）胎儿行颜面部超声筛查,超声检查前常规询问病史,以规范化常规三切面、上牙槽突横切面作为筛查切面,有异常时应同时采集胎儿张口时和闭口时的二维图像,最后采集三维图像,与引产或分娩后患儿颜面部结果进行对照,比较各种方法对提高产前超声诊断唇腭裂畸形的效率与准确率的作用。 结果 7000例胎儿超声共检出唇腭裂27例,经引产和分娩证实唇腭裂29例,其中常规三切面组检出胎儿唇腭裂畸形20例,产前超声漏诊9例,超声诊断符合率为69%;常规三切面、上牙槽突横切面、其他特殊切面加三维超声组产前超声检出胎儿唇腭裂畸形27例,产前超声漏诊2例,产前超声诊断符合率为93%;对比两种方法在唇裂合并腭裂病例存在显著性差异（P<0.05）。 结论 超声医师检查前常规采集病史,检查时准确识别胎儿唇鼻部腭部正常结构和声像图特征,掌握常规三切面、上牙槽突横切面和其他特殊切面的手法和技巧,仔细观察胎儿唇鼻结构和张口闭口运动,同时应用三维超声表面成像模式,将会提高唇腭裂畸形的超声诊断率,给临床医生及孕妇提供可靠的信息。       

实时三维超声对胎儿唇腭裂的诊断价值

目的应用实时三维超声成像诊断胎儿唇腭裂,就其诊断价值与二维超声诊断进行比较探讨。方法应用esaote Mylab 90实时三维超声显像仪,三维容积探头和二维腹部探头,对2798例16～40周胎儿唇部进行观察。结果 2798例中,应用实时三维或二维超声能看到胎儿唇部者2644例,显示率为94.5%,看不清胎儿唇部者154例。二维显示率为84.6%(2367/2798),实时三维显示率为89.7%(2510/2798)。应用实时三维或二维超声共发现胎儿唇腭裂畸形11例,与引产或足月产后相符合。二维及实时三维超声产前均检出唇腭裂10例,漏诊1例,检出率90.9%(10/11)。结论实时三维超声在诊断胎儿唇裂中图像逼真直观,对二维图像具有重要的补充作用,二者结合诊断胎儿唇腭裂是更有效的方法。     

胎儿唇腭裂的超声诊断思路研究

目的:探讨胎儿唇腭裂的超声诊断思路。方法:回顾分析2013年9月-2020年2月在我院进行产前超声检查诊断的胎儿唇腭裂67例,对其超声图像进行总结,结合本组病例研究如何提高胎儿唇腭裂的超声诊断率问题。结果:本组67例胎儿唇腭裂中,单纯唇裂52例;单侧完全唇裂伴牙槽突裂4例;单侧完全唇裂伴完全腭裂2例;双侧完全唇裂伴牙槽突裂2例;双侧完全唇裂伴完全腭裂1例;正中唇裂6例。结论:超声检查胎儿唇腭裂具有较高的正确诊断率,但是,也有不少的病例容易漏诊误诊。欲提高胎儿唇腭裂的超声诊断率,需要做到产前超声检查的规范化、标准化,检查细致、耐心,把握超声检查的时机,适当借助于三维超声检查,注意可疑病例的复查。     

Two- and three-dimensional sonographic assessment of the fetal face. 2. Analysis of cleft lip, alveolus and palate.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the sonographic appearance of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL +/- P) using two-dimensional and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging. Also, to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound to delineate with precision the bony extent of facial clefts, i.e. to differentiate clefts limited to the lips, or extending to the alveolus/premaxilla or the secondary palate. METHODS: This was a retrospective study based on the examination of fetuses diagnosed with an isolated CL +/- P. Cases included were either discovered at systematic screening or referred for further investigation. Clefts were characterized by their precise anatomical location and extent. The defect could include a cleft lip (CL), a cleft alveolus (CA), or a cleft of the secondary palate (CSP). RESULTS: We analyzed 96 cases of CL +/- P. The mean gestational age at examination was 28.2 +/- 4.1 weeks. The sonographic appearance of CL, CA, and CSP was depicted. Strict concordance of the sonographic report with the anatomical defect was present in 84 cases (87.5%). In eight cases, the severity of the cleft was underestimated: three cases of CA, four of CA + CSP and one of CSP were missed. In four cases, the cleft was overestimated as CA was incorrectly suspected. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic screening with sonography to detect prenatally CL +/- P requires the imaging of at least the mid-sagittal and the anterior coronal 'nose-mouth' views. Once the presence of a facial cleft is suspected, the three reference orthogonal planes are imaged in order to characterize the anatomical defect, and for each plane, the serial scans are thoroughly examined. This protocol allows precise delineation of the defect. Inclusion of 3D and 4D ultrasound imaging in the examination protocol allows easier and more rapid screening and more precise evaluation of the different cleft constituents.     

Fetal tongue posture associated with micrognathia: An ultrasound marker of cleft secondary palate?

Cleft lip and cleft palate (CP) are the most common facial malformations. Two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound (US) is the first-line examination in the prenatal diagnosis of CP. Three-dimensional, four-dimensional US and MRI provide a better detection of facial clefts. We present two fetuses with micrognathia and suspected secondary CP on 2D US: fetal tongue appeared in an unusual position (low tip and high dorsum position) and showed uncoordinated movements. MRI did not confirm the US suspicion, but at birth the two fetuses were affected by Pierre Robin sequence.     

胎儿唇腭裂畸形的产前超声诊断现状

胎儿唇腭裂是最常见的颜面部畸形,且与妊娠结局,附加结构畸形及染色体异常均明显相关,然而产前诊断困难.超声是最常用的检测手段,通过胎儿标本实验及胚胎发育研究,使用二维超声的冠状切面和轴向切面及三维超声重建可诊断唇裂及前腭裂,对于继发腭裂,主要是寻找间接征象,直接显像困难,因此尚不能在宫内作出诊断.     

The accuracy of antenatal ultrasound in the detection of facial clefts in a low-risk screening population.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the accuracy of prenatal ultrasound in the detection of facial clefts in a low-risk screening population and to report on the outcome of these pregnancies. DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed antenatal ultrasound records from the obstetric ultrasound department, postnatal records from the regional craniofacial unit and autopsy reports of fetuses over 16 weeks' gestational age from the regional pathology department over a 5-year period (1993-97). Cross-referencing between the three data sets identified all cases of facial clefts. RESULTS: Out of 23 577 live and still births, 30 had facial clefts; four were excluded from the study. Of the remaining 26 cases, 10 had associated major anomalies. There were 19 live births and seven terminations. Six of the seven terminations had other major abnormalities. Our detection rate for cleft lip and palate was 93% and the detection rate for isolated cleft palate was 22%. Isolated cleft lip was detected in 67% of cases. The overall detection rate for facial clefts was 65%. CONCLUSION: From our results and a review of the literature it is clear that before standards can be set we need to define which facial clefts are sonographically demonstrable. Our data provide information for effective counseling and setting of standards for clinical practice.     

三维超声TUI技术在胎儿唇腭裂诊断中的应用

目的分析胎儿唇腭裂在三维超声新技术断层超声成像（TUI）中的图像特征,评价TUI诊断胎儿唇腭裂的价值。方法应用TUI对32例唇腭裂胎儿的三维容积数据进行后处理分析,并将检查结果与二维超声检查结果进行比较。结果TUI对单纯唇裂的显示率为100%（8/8）,对唇裂合并腭裂的显示率为75%（18/24）;二维超声对单纯唇裂的显示率为100%（8/8）,对唇裂合并腭裂的显示率为33.3%（8/24）,二者对胎儿唇裂合并腭裂的显示率差别有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论TUI在胎儿唇腭裂的产前诊断上具有较高的临床应用价值。     

The premaxillary triangle: clue to the diagnosis of cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: The prenatal detection rate of cleft lip and palate is low, especially in low-risk patients who undergo targeted sonography. The reason is that evaluating surface anatomy is relatively difficult and requires operator expertise. Our purpose was to describe a technique to improve the diagnostic accuracy of facial clefts (lip and palate) and to assess the feasibility of including this technique as part of standard protocol during targeted imaging. METHODS: A prospective study was done during 2000 through 2002 to evaluate the accuracy of the "premaxillary triangle (PMT) sign": a new sign to diagnose unilateral cleft lip and palate in women referred for prenatal sonography at our center. Patients with only isolated unilateral cleft lip and palate and cleft lip were included in this study. Before this, all examiners were trained to image the PMT. The images were reviewed by a senior consultant. It was later decided to include this sign as part of the protocol of targeted sonography done between 18 and 22 weeks in our institution. However, depending on the fetal position, the PMT was documented even in patients referred for the first time in late second and third trimesters. RESULTS: Twenty-nine cases of isolated facial clefts were diagnosed during the study period, of which 2 had unilateral cleft lip and 27 had unilateral cleft lip and palate. The PMT sign was absent in all cases of unilateral cleft lip and palate but was present in 2 cases of isolated cleft lip without cleft palate. CONCLUSIONS: The PMT sign can be easily incorporated into targeted sonography at 18 to 22 weeks' gestation. Its inclusion would help in increasing the detection rate of unilateral cleft lip and palate. It may also be potentially used for differentiating between isolated cleft lip and cleft lip and palate, which helps in better prenatal counseling.