Open AccessSonographic evaluation of overall and regional vascularization of fetal brain: a preliminary methodological study
Author(s) -
Manuela Oberto,
Pietro Gaglioti,
Giovanna Oggè,
Elena Olearo,
Concetta Di Pace,
T. Trodos,
Gian Luigi Panattoni
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of biological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.218
H-Index - 6
eISSN - 2284-0230
pISSN - 1826-8838
DOI - 10.4081/jbr.2011.4693
Subject(s) - fetus , gestational age , sampling (signal processing) , medicine , radiology , computer science , biology , pregnancy , computer vision , genetics , filter (signal processing)
The aim of this preliminary study is to develop a methodology to evaluate the vascularization of fetal brain in normal and abnormal canditions by three-dimensional sonography associated to Power Doppler (3DPD), with application of Virtual Organ Computer-aided Analysis (VOCAL) that allows to derive vascularization and flow indexes. In this connction, we propose a new method of standardization of the setting and the acquisition mode, choosing in different fetuses and at different gestational ages the same anatomical volumes, corresponding to five spherical regions of interest. In particular, tu study the overall vascularization of the fetal brain, we use a sphere with a diameter corresponding to the bi-parietal distance. To evaluate the regional vascularization, we identify four sampling spherical sites, two in each hemisphere. This standard technical approach according to correct morphological criteria allows to exclude from the analysis vascular territories external to the brain