Evaluation of two-dimensional versus three-dimensional ultrasound in obstetric diagnostics: a prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to find answers to the following questions: What are the technical and biological prerequisites for easily obtainable three-dimensional (3D) images? What are the visualization rates for various fetal organ systems? What is the potential for assessing fetal malformations? What are the psychological effects of 3D imaging on the expectant mothers?


METHODS
Between January and June 1998, 433 pregnant women were prospectively examined with two-dimensional (2D) and 3D sonography.


RESULTS
3D visualization in healthy fetuses was inferior in quality to 2D visualization, which also accounted for the comparison of 3D imaging versus 2 D imaging among fetuses affected with malformations. In only 1 case did 3D imaging yield a slightly better description of the given malformation. This did not result in a different therapeutical approach. Concerning the psychological effect of 3D imaging, a marked approval of the 3D method was recorded.


CONCLUSIONS
These results show that the image information acquired by 3D ultrasound technology is nearly always inferior to the image information obtained by conventional 2D imaging. 3D imaging can be useful for specific malformations under the condition that these examinations be performed in specific ultrasound departments. Thus, a clearly defined range of indications can be assigned to 3D imaging.
Scharf
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. alexander.scharf.oststadt@klinikum-hannover.de
Ghazwiny
M F
MF
Steinborn
A
A
Baier
P
P
Sohn
C
C
D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016640:Diabetes, Gestational / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*