Premium
The Use of the Minimum Projection Mode in 4‐Dimensional Examination of the Fetal Heart With Spatiotemporal Image Correlation
Author(s) -
Espinoza Jimmy,
Gonçalves Luís F.,
Lee Wesley,
Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn,
Treadwell Marjorie C.,
Stites Susan,
Schoen Mary Lou,
Mazor Moshe,
Romero Roberto
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of ultrasound in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.574
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1550-9613
pISSN - 0278-4297
DOI - 10.7863/jum.2004.23.10.1337
Subject(s) - medicine , great vessels , volume rendering , visualization , radiology , ultrasound , nuclear medicine , anatomy , artificial intelligence , cardiology , computer science
Objective. The minimum projection mode (MPM) is a rendering algorithm available in some 3‐ and 4‐dimensional ultrasonography systems that, in 1 image, allows the visualization of vessels and cystic anatomic structures located in different scanning planes. The objective of this study was to compare the information displayed in images obtained with the MPM with their corresponding 2‐dimensional ultrasonographic images from fetuses with and without structural heart defects. Methods. Thirty‐two volume data sets acquired with the spatiotemporal image correlation technique from fetuses with (n = 15) and without (n = 17) structural heart defects were analyzed. Rendered images of the upper abdomen, 4‐chamber view, and 3‐vessel view were compared with the corresponding 2‐dimensional images. Two independent observers with experience in fetal echocardiography reviewed these volume data sets using the MPM. The visualization rate of specific anatomic structures seen from a transverse sweep of the heart was recorded for each observer, and the interobserver agreement was assessed by statistical indices of agreement (κ statistic). Results. Images obtained by the MPM displayed more vascular structures than those of corresponding 2‐dimensional images at the level of the 3‐vessel view. For conotruncal anomalies, the minimum mode projected the aorta and pulmonary arteries in 1 single plane, facilitating the understanding of their spatial relationships. The interobserver agreement score was moderate to “almost perfect” for assessment of most anatomic structures in the upper abdomen, 4‐chamber view, and 3‐vessel view sections. However, interobserver agreement ranged from fair to poor for visualization of the left outflow tract, atrial septum, and flap of the foramen ovale. Conclusions. The MPM is an alternative rendering modality that facilitates visualization of normal and abnormal vascular connections to the fetal heart at the level of the 3‐vessel view. This technique may be useful in prenatal diagnosis of conotruncal anomalies and in assessment of the spatial relationships of abnormal vascular connections in the upper mediastinum.