Three-dimensional color power imaging of the fetal hepatic circulation.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to describe the use of three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography to identify vascular congenital anomalies of fetal portosystemic and umbilical venous systems.


METHODS
In a prospective study, the hepatic and umbilical venous systems were examined in 390 fetuses with two-dimensional ultrasonography, color, and spectral Doppler imaging. Fetuses suspected to have anomalies of the portal system and ductus venosus were additionally examined with three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography.


RESULTS
Vascular anomalies were identified in 8 fetuses (absent ductus venosus, n=4; direct connection between the umbilical vein and the right atrium, n=2; and direct connection between the umbilical vein and the inferior vena cava, n=2) out of the 310 in which the venous system could be adequately imaged (prevalence=2.6%). Three-dimensional power Doppler imaging showed the course of the umbilical vein, its relationship to the portosystemic circulation, and whether a ductus venosus was present.


CONCLUSIONS
Three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography can be used to image normal fetal hepatic and portal circulation, as well as identify anomalies of the fetal portosystemic and umbilical venous systems.
Kalache
Karim
K
Perinatology Research Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health/DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Romero
Roberto
R
Goncalves
Luis F
LF
Chaiworapongsa
Tinnakorn
T
Espinoza
Jimmy
J
Schoen
Mary Lou
ML
Treadwell
Marjorie C
MC
Lee
Wesley
W
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008102:Liver Circulation; D011247:Pregnancy; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014471:Umbilical Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging