Is the starting section for 3D volume acquisition in the first trimester relevant in the post hoc analysis of aneuploidy screening markers and fetal anatomy?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the ability to assess the fetal anatomy and ultrasound screening markers using three-dimensional (3D) volumes acquired during the 11th to 13th  week scan, in relation to whether a fetal profile could be used as a starting section.


METHODS
Post hoc analysis of 3D ultrasound volumes acquired at 11 to 13 weeks in 223 pregnancies was performed to identify the appropriate sections for evaluation of three screening markers and ten fetal anatomy landmarks. When possible, the fetal profile was used as the starting section for volume acquisition.


RESULTS
When the fetal profile was used, satisfactory images for assessment were obtained in 90% of cases for nuchal translucency and 72% for the nasal bone, whereas successful evaluation of the ten anatomical landmarks ranged from 0 to 99%. In alternative starting sections, the corresponding success rates were 65%, 48%, and 0-95%.


CONCLUSIONS
Although performance of post hoc analysis of 3D volumes is best when carried out from a profile starting section and quicker than two-dimensional analysis, it appears to be not ready for clinical use because nuchal translucency could not be examined in 10% of the fetuses.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, MA, USA. aborrell@clinic.ub.es
Antoni
A
Borrell
Joaquin
J
Santolaya-Forgas
Cynthia
C
Horbaczewski
Roshni Dorothy
RD
Henry
Lisa
L
Dunn-Albanese
Julian N
JN
Robinson
D000328:Adult; D000782:Aneuploidy; D025063:Chromosome Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D048208:Nuchal Translucency Measurement / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*