Four-dimensional sonography of the fetal heart with spatiotemporal image correlation directed at the interventricular septum.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this report is to describe a new technique to visualize the fetal interventricular cardiac septum in its entirety in a uniform fashion.


METHODS
Using spatiotemporal image correlation, a technique of volume data manipulation is described to produce standard long-axis, short-axis, and "face-on" views of the interventricular septum.


RESULTS
Using the detailed description of volume data manipulation, examples of large and small ventricular septal defects are presented.


CONCLUSIONS
By using a standardized technique of volume manipulation, complete assessment of the interventricular septum is accomplished. Incorporating the technique into routine fetal heart evaluation is easily accomplished and may aid in the fetal diagnosis of ventricular septal defects.
Myers
Stephen A
SA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44109-1998, USA. smyers@metrohealth.org
Fresquez
Meredith
M
Hamill
Neil
N
D019561:Echocardiography, Four-Dimensional; D005260:Female; D005318:Fetal Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006345:Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*