Assessment of the facial features and chin development of fetuses with use of serial three-dimensional sonography and the mandibular size monogram in a Chinese population.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to evaluate whether the application of serial three-dimensional (3D) sonography and the mandibular size monogram can allow observation of dynamic changes in facial features, as well as chin development in utero.


METHODS
The mandibular size monogram has been established through a cross-sectional study involving 183 fetal images. The serial changes of facial features and chin development are assessed in a cohort study involving 40 patients.


RESULTS
The monogram reveals that the Biparietal distance (BPD)/Mandibular body length (MBL) ratio is gradually decreased with the advance of gestational age. The cohort study conducted with serial 3D sonography shows the same tendency. Both the images and the results of paired-samples t test (P<.001) statistical analysis suggest that the fetuses develop wider chins and broader facial features in later weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
The serial 3D sonography and mandibular size monogram display disproportionate growth of the fetal head and chin that leads to changes in facial features in late gestation. This fact must be considered when we evaluate fetuses at risk for development of micrognathia.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung County, Taiwan.
Meng-Yin
MY
Tsai
Kuo-Chung
KC
Lan
Chia-Yo
CY
Ou
Jen-Huang
JH
Chen
Shiuh-Young
SY
Chang
Te-Yao
TY
Hsu
D044466:Asian People; D002680:Chin / Q000196:embryology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008334:Mandible / Q000196:embryology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal