Nuchal translucency refers to the normal subcutaneousspace, observed on first trimester ultrasound examination,between the skin and the cervical spine in the fetus.Increased nuchal translucency is known to be associatedwith an increased risk of aneuploidy, particularly Downsyndrome. In addition to this association with aneuploidy,multiple studies have now identified increased nuchaltranslucency as a nonspecific marker of a wide range of fetalstructural abnormalities , to include congenitaldiaphragmatic hernia, cardiac defects, and various geneticsyndromes.The degree of nuchal translucency is directly related to theprevalence of fetal anomalies and may have prognosticsignificance, especially when found in association with otheranomalies. The pathophysiology of increased nuchal translucency isuncertain but may be the result of cardiac failure oralterations in lymphatic drainage.Increased nuchal translucency may identify pregnanciesthat require further assessment, to include additionalsonographic evaluation and possible fetal echocardiography.Further evaluation is required to assess the role ofnuchal translucency screening in the general population