Transabdominal three-dimensional volume imaging of the fetal brain at 18--24 weeks' gestation.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to determine the quality of the visualization of fetal neuroanatomical structures at 18--24 weeks gestation using three-dimensional transabdominal ultrasound.


METHODS
A retrospective study of 40 stored fetal head volumes obtained from 1 November 1999 to 30 June 2000 was undertaken as part of an institutional review board-approved study. The quality of stored images for three axial planes, the midline sagital plane and three coronal planes was graded using a three tier system (optimal, suboptimal and poor).


RESULTS
Optimal visualization for the seven anatomic planes under study ranged from 38% to 55%.


CONCLUSIONS
Three-dimensional trans abdominal volume studies of the fetal brain show promise for the diagnosis of structural anomalies of the developing brain. However, technological improvements in the quality of resolution will be required for this technique to be incorporated into routine clinical practice.
Cohen
L S
LS
Department of Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL, USA. lcohen8788@aol.com
Sankpal
R
R
Endres
L
L
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000196:embryology*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D009421:Nervous System Malformations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*