The application of three-dimensional ultrasound to nuchal translucency measurement in early pregnancy (10-14 weeks): a preliminary study.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this prospective screening study were to calculate the success rate and to assess the intraoperator variability of fetal nuchal translucency measurement by using three-dimensional ultrasound.


METHODS
Eighty-six women, each with a singleton pregnancy undergoing routine nuchal translucency measurement between 10 weeks and 14 weeks plus 6 days gestational age. Three-dimensional transvaginal sonography was performed. A new method of nuchal translucency measurement was applied from three volumetric data sets using four steps.


RESULTS
In all cases good sagittal views of the fetus were obtained, the fetal skin could be distinguished from the amnion and the nuchal translucency thickness could be measured. The new measurement procedure could be standardized. The overall time required for the examination was 5 min. The procedure caused no discomfort to the woman and was easily performed by the examiner. Intra-operator variability was low (P = 0.862).


CONCLUSIONS
Three-dimensional ultrasound is a useful and easily applicable tool for nuchal translucency measurement during early pregnancy (10-14 weeks plus 6 days). Its advantages still need further evaluation.
Chung
B L
BL
St Luke's Obstetric Clinic, Seoul, Korea.
Kim
H J
HJ
Lee
K H
KH
D000328:Adult; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D025063:Chromosome Disorders; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009333:Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D015588:Observer Variation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*