A TIFFA scan, also known as Targeted or Detailed Fetal Anomaly scan, is a specialized ultrasound examination performed during pregnancy to assess the fetal anatomy and detect any structural abnormalities or anomalies. This scan is typically conducted in the second trimester, around 18 to 22 weeks of gestation, and provides detailed information about the developing fetus’s growth and well-being.

Purpose of TIFFA Scan

Detailed Fetal Anatomy Assessment

The primary purpose of the TIFFA scan is to perform a comprehensive assessment of the fetal anatomy, including the brain, spine, heart, abdominal organs, limbs, and other structures. The scan helps detect any structural abnormalities or developmental anomalies that may affect the fetus’s health or require medical intervention.

Screening for Fetal Abnormalities

The TIFFA scan serves as a screening tool for a wide range of fetal abnormalities, including congenital heart defects, neural tube defects, skeletal abnormalities, gastrointestinal anomalies, and genitourinary abnormalities. Early detection of these conditions allows for timely counseling, further diagnostic testing, and appropriate management.

Procedure of TIFFA Scan

Preparation and Process

The TIFFA scan is performed by a trained sonographer or obstetrician in a specialized ultrasound unit or fetal medicine center. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Patient Preparation: The pregnant individual lies on an examination table, and the abdomen is exposed to allow for ultrasound imaging. A full bladder is not required for this scan.

2. Ultrasound Examination: A handheld transducer is moved over the abdomen to obtain high-resolution images of the fetus. The sonographer systematically evaluates each fetal organ and structure to assess for any abnormalities.

3. Measurement and Assessment: During the scan, various fetal measurements are taken, including head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length, to assess growth and gestational age. Detailed images of specific anatomical structures are obtained and analyzed for abnormalities.

4. Doppler Evaluation: In some cases, Doppler ultrasound may be used to assess blood flow within fetal blood vessels and the placenta, providing additional information about fetal well-being.

Clinical Applications

Detection of Fetal Abnormalities

The TIFFA scan is instrumental in detecting a wide range of fetal abnormalities, allowing healthcare providers to provide counseling and support to expectant parents and plan appropriate management, including medical interventions or referrals to specialists.

Assessment of Fetal Growth and Well-Being

In addition to detecting structural abnormalities, the TIFFA scan assesses fetal growth and well-being, ensuring that the fetus is developing appropriately for its gestational age. Any deviations from expected growth parameters may prompt further evaluation and monitoring.

Advantages and Limitations

• Advantages: The TIFFA scan offers a detailed assessment of fetal anatomy and allows for early detection of structural abnormalities, facilitating timely intervention and management. It provides reassurance to expectant parents and helps guide prenatal care.

• Limitations: While the TIFFA scan is highly accurate in detecting many fetal abnormalities, it may not detect all conditions or anomalies, particularly those that develop later in pregnancy. In some cases, further diagnostic testing, such as amniocentesis or fetal MRI, may be necessary for confirmation or additional evaluation.

Integration with Prenatal Care

The TIFFA scan is an integral part of routine prenatal care for pregnant individuals, particularly those at increased risk of fetal abnormalities due to advanced maternal age, medical conditions, or previous pregnancy history. It complements other prenatal screening tests, such as first-trimester screening and cell-free DNA testing, to provide a comprehensive evaluation of fetal health and well-being. Results of the TIFFA scan guide prenatal counseling, management decisions, and planning for delivery and postnatal care. Regular follow-up and additional testing may be recommended based on the findings of the scan.