Craniofacial dysmorphology and three-dimensional ultrasound: a prospective study on practicability for prenatal diagnosis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to compare two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasound for the visualization and diagnosis of craniofacial dysmorphism.


METHODS
In this prospective study, we performed three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound following good-quality two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound in an at-risk population. Findings from 2D and 3D examination were noted.


RESULTS
Our series included 41 patients. In 20 cases, 3D performed better than 2D, and in two cases 2D was more informative. In 9 cases, there was no difference between the performance of the two, and in two cases both 2D and 3D gave inadequate results. However, in 7 cases 3D images could not be obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
Although it is rarely decisive, 3D ultrasound is of interest when it comes to the precise description of craniofacial dysmorphisms and the study of the fetal ears.
Mangione
Raphaele
R
Centre de diagnostic prénatal, CHU Bordeaux, France.
Lacombe
Didier
D
Carles
Dominique
D
Guyon
Frédéric
F
Saura
Robert
R
Horovitz
Jacques
J
D000328:Adult; D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology / Q000453:epidemiology; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal