Estimation of fetal lung volume using enhanced 3-dimensional ultrasound: a new method and first result.
OBJECTIVE
To measure fetal lung volume using a computer based, enhanced, 3-dimensional ultrasound imaging system.


METHODS
An observational study.


METHODS
The Fetal Medicine Unit at Guys Hospital, London.


METHODS
Twenty healthy women with a singleton pregnancy between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation were scanned on one occasion during pregnancy using an ultrasound based 3-dimensional imaging system. All delivered at term with weights above the 10th centile for gestation.


RESULTS
Total lung volume increased exponentially with gestational age. Right lung volume measured consistently greater than left lung volume.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of this new enhanced 3-dimensional imaging system allows for estimations of fetal lung volume. Preliminary data confirm that fetal lung volume, measured by a computerised 3-dimensional ultrasound imaging system increased exponentially with gestational age. The use of this system has obvious application in the further study of lung growth in utero and possible clinical application in disease states where fetal lung growth may be impaired.
D'Arcy
T J
TJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Guys and St. Thomas' Hospital Trust, London, UK.
Hughes
S W
SW
Chiu
W S
WS
Clark
T
T
Milner
A D
AD
Saunders
J
J
Maxwell
D
D
D005260:Female; D005325:Fetal Organ Maturity; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*