Embryological evaluation of surface features of human embryos and early fetuses by 3-D ultrasound.
OBJECTIVE
To visualize embryonal and early fetal surface features using transvaginal (3-D) ultrasound.


METHODS
Seventy patients at 5-11 weeks of gestation (10 at each week) were studied.


RESULTS
3-D ultrasound could visualize the surface morphology, showing its clinical applicability. From 5 to 6 weeks the embryo was observed in the shape of a 'C' in 70% of all embryos. At 7 weeks, the head could be distinguished from the trunk in a ll embryos. Until 9 weeks, the four extremities were observed in all fetuses and the formation of midgut herniation in 80%. From 10 to 11 weeks, the visualization rates of the ears, orbits and fingers were 40%, 30% and 40%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
3-D ultrasound is useful to recognize the surface morphology of embryos and early fetuses.
Yonemoto
Hisashi
H
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan. yonemoto@med.juntendo.ac.jp
Yoshida
Koyo
K
Kinoshita
Katsuyuki
K
Takeuchi
Hisaya
H
D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*