title: A novel algorithm for comprehensive fetal echocardiography using 4-dimensional ultrasonography and tomographic imaging.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI) is a new display modality that allows simultaneous visualization of up to 8 parallel anatomic planes. This study was designed to determine the role of a novel algorithm combining spatiotemporal image correlation and TUI to visualize standard fetal echocardiographic planes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Volume data sets from fetuses with and without congenital heart defects (CHDs) were examined with a novel algorithm that allows simultaneous visualization of the 3-vessel and trachea view, the 4-chamber view, and outflow tracts. Visualization rates for these planes as well as the ductal arch and 5-chamber view were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  (1) Two hundred twenty-seven volume data sets from fetuses without (n = 138) and with (n = 14) CHDs were reviewed; (2) among fetuses without CHDs, the 4-chamber view, 5-chamber view, ductal arch, 3-vessel and trachea view, left outflow tract, and short axis of the aorta were visualized in 99% (193/195), 96.9% (189/195), 98.5% (192/195), 88.2% (172/195), 93.3% (182/195), and 87.2% (170/195) of the volume data sets, respectively; (3) these views were visualized in 85% (17/20), 80% (16/20), 65% (13/20), 55% (11/20), 55% (11/20), and 70% (14/20) of the volume data sets, respectively, from fetuses with CHDs; and (4) simultaneous visualization of the short axis of the aorta, 3-vessel and trachea view, left outflow tract, and 4-chamber view was obtained in 78% (152/195) of the volume data sets from fetuses without CHDs and in 40% (8/20) of those with CHDs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 3-vessel and trachea view, the 4-chamber view, and both outflow tracts can be simultaneously visualized using a novel algorithm combining spatiotemporal image correlation and TUI.
authors.affiliation: Perinatology Research Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Jimmy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Espinoza
authors.forename: Juan Pedro
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Kusanovic
authors.forename: Luís F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Gonçalves
authors.forename: Jyh Kae
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Nien
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hassan
authors.forename: Wesley
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Romero
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D019561:Echocardiography, Four-Dimensional; D005260:Female; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014054:Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*