A novel algorithm for comprehensive fetal echocardiography using 4-dimensional ultrasonography and tomographic imaging.
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.
Espinoza
Jimmy
J
Perinatology Research Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Kusanovic
Juan Pedro
JP
Gonçalves
Luís F
LF
Nien
Jyh Kae
JK
Hassan
Sonia
S
Lee
Wesley
W
Romero
Roberto
R
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*