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Use of free‐hand three‐dimensional ultrasound software in the study of the fetal heart
Author(s) -
Guerra F. A.,
Isla A. I.,
Aguilar R. C.,
Fritz E. G.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-0705.2000.00186.x
Subject(s) - medicine , software , ultrasound , fetal heart , position (finance) , fetal echocardiography , interventricular septum , mode (computer interface) , perpendicular , radiology , fetus , artificial intelligence , computer science , cardiology , geometry , prenatal diagnosis , pregnancy , genetics , finance , biology , ventricle , economics , programming language , mathematics , operating system
Objective To propose a new approach to the study of the fetal heart using free‐hand three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound software. Methods We studied a total of 28 fetuses, of which 26 were normal and two were known to have heart pathology. In all of them a B‐mode scan was performed. After obtaining a four‐chamber view, and keeping the transducer in the same position, the free‐hand 3D‐View software was activated. A sequence of frames was stored. Additional information was recorded looking from the four‐chamber view towards the outflow tract, and also adding color Doppler. Results We obtained a multiplanar display of one B‐mode and two perpendicular M‐modes in all cases studied. In this multiplanar mode, Y and X axes represent distance and Z axis represents time. We were able to obtain M‐modes and a variation of color‐M‐mode in any desired position. Moving the information along the Z axis, a frame sequence of the B‐mode was obtained. Using this approach we observed one case of fetal supraventricular extrasystoles and other having an interventricular septum defect. Conclusions This modality gives a new perspective of fetal heart scanning using the free‐hand 3D‐View software, in which there is benefit from many of the advantages of the 3D software, although the power of this procedure must be improved. Copyright © 2000 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology