Three-dimensional sonographic features of nuchal edema.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the three-dimensional (3D) sonographic features of nuchal edema in the early second trimester of pregnancy.


METHODS
From 16 to 22 weeks of gestation 5 cases with nuchal edema were studied using transabdominal 3D sonography.


RESULTS
Nuchal edema could be easily imaged with both two-dimensional and 3D sonography; however, visualization of the continuity and curvature of structures was more easily accomplished with 3D sonography. Before 20 weeks of gestation, the skin has a transparent structure, so the bony structures are clearly identified. 3D sonography allowed visualization of nuchal edema in all three dimensions at the same time, providing an improved overview and a more clearly defined demonstration of the adjusted anatomical planes.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that 3D sonography provides a novel means of visualizing nuchal edema in utero.
Ohno
Masayuki
M
Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Kagawa Medical University, Kagawa, Japan.
Kanenishi
Kenji
K
Kuno
Atsushi
A
Akiyama
Masashi
M
Yamashiro
Chizu
C
Tanaka
Hirokazu
H
Shiota
Atsuko
A
Senoh
Daisaku
D
Hata
Toshiyuki
T
D004487:Edema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D009333:Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D014314:Trisomy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*