What does cephalic means in ultrasound?

In ultrasound, the term "cephalic" is used to describe a measurement or observation related to the head, particularly related to fetal development during pregnancy. Here are a few examples of where "cephalic" may be used in the context of ultrasound:

1. Cephalic Index (CI): The cephalic index is a measurement used to assess the shape of the fetal head. It is calculated by dividing the maximum transverse diameter of the fetal head by the maximum anteroposterior diameter. A normal cephalic index ranges from 75 to 85. Values above or below this range may indicate certain growth abnormalities or conditions.

2. Cephalic Circumference (CC): The cephalic circumference is a measurement of the largest circumference of the fetal head. It is used to monitor the growth and development of the fetal skull and brain. CC measurements are taken at various stages of pregnancy to assess if the fetal head is growing at an appropriate rate.

3. Cephalic Hematoma: A cephalic hematoma is a collection of blood within the fetal scalp that can be detected during an ultrasound examination. It is usually caused by trauma during delivery or a difficult labor. Cephalic hematomas commonly resolve on their own and do not usually pose long-term health risks.

4. Cephalic Prominence: In some cases, ultrasound may reveal a localized swelling or prominence on the fetal head. This is referred to as cephalic prominence. Depending on the location and appearance of the prominence, it could be an indicator of various conditions, such as encephalocele (a neural tube defect) or other structural anomalies. Further diagnostic tests may be needed to determine the exact cause.

These are just a few examples of how the term "cephalic" is used in ultrasound to describe measurements, dimensions, and observations related to the fetal head.