Premium
Assessment of the third‐trimester fetus using 3‐dimensional volumes: A pilot study
Author(s) -
Bromley Bryann,
Shipp Thomas D.,
Benacerraf, Beryl
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of clinical ultrasound
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.272
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1097-0096
pISSN - 0091-2751
DOI - 10.1002/jcu.20379
Subject(s) - medicine , fetus , amniotic fluid , ultrasound , volume (thermodynamics) , 3d ultrasound , obstetrics , presentation (obstetrics) , third trimester , pregnancy , fetal weight , radiology , biology , genetics , physics , quantum mechanics
Abstract Purpose. To examine whether the third‐trimester fetus can be assessed sonographically using 3‐dimensional (3D) volume data sets. Methods. Twenty‐seven consecutive third‐trimester fetuses were evaluated. Fetuses were scanned using 2‐dimensional (2D) imaging followed by 5 3D volume acquisitions. The initial scan was interpreted and reported based on the 2D images. The 3D volume data sets were independently reviewed offline several weeks later by 2 sonologists. Parameters evaluated included fetal presentation, placental location, amniotic fluid volume, fetal biometry including a calculation of estimated fetal weight, and major fetal anatomic structures. The result of the interpretation via 3D reconstruction of the volume from each of the 2 sonologists was compared with the original 2D sonography report. Results. Fetal presentation, amniotic fluid volume, and placental location with respect to the cervix were correctly identified 100% of the time by each sonologist. The estimated fetal weight was within 10% of the 2D estimate 89% (95% CI, 0.71–0.98) of the time for sonologist A and 96% (95% CI, 0.81–0.99) of the time for sonologist B. The majority of major anatomic landmarks were adequately seen by both sonologists. Conclusion. Offline review of 3D volume data sets is a reliable method for determining fetal presentation, amniotic fluid volume, placental location, and estimating fetal weight in the third trimester. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2007