A systematic technique using 3-dimensional ultrasound provides a simple and reproducible mode to evaluate the corpus callosum.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate a rapid 3-dimensional ultrasound-assisted technique for evaluation of the corpus callosum as an integral part of the anatomic survey.


METHODS
Transabdominal 3-dimensioal gray scale and power Doppler volumes of the fetal brain were acquired in 102 consecutive healthy fetuses at 20-23 postmenstrual weeks. Offline analysis was performed by 2 of the authors using a systematic approach of "volume manipulation." Diagnostic-quality visualization of the corpus callosum and the pericallosal arteries on the median plane was recorded by the 2 examiners independently.


RESULTS
The median plane was easily obtained in all cases. Diagnostic-quality images of the corpus callosum were recorded in 93.1% and 99.0% and of the pericallosal arteries in 94.4% and 95.5% of the cases, by the 2 examiners, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Three-dimensional ultrasound enables a rapid and easy evaluation of the corpus callosum that may facilitate its inclusion as an integral part of the routine anatomic survey.
Bornstein
Eran
E
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Monteagudo
Ana
A
Santos
Rosalba
R
Keeler
Sean M
SM
Timor-Tritsch
Ilan E
IE
D003337:Corpus Callosum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*