title: A new semi-automated method for fetal volume measurements with three-dimensional ultrasound: preliminary results.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Complications in pregnancy are suggested to be the result of intrauterine conditions in the first trimester of pregnancy. Three-dimensional ultrasound volume measurements might give more information, compared with two-dimensional measurements. Commonly available methods for volume measurements are not suited for daily practice. This is a report of preliminary results of a promising, more practical semi-automated method for volume calculations with three-dimensional ultrasound.
  
  
  METHODS
  Volume datasets of 16 objects (10.2-41.5 cm(3) ) were obtained. Euclidean shortening flow and Perona and Malik were used as image enhancement techniques. The image gradient was calculated. The points of interest were detected by the iso-intensity and the edge-detection technique. Volume measurements with Volume Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) are used as a reference. A volume dataset of a first trimester fetus was acquired to test this method in vivo.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mathematical calculations with iso-intensity (Perona and Malik: average= -1.57 cm(3) , SD=4.05; and Euclidean shortening flow: average= -1.38 cm(3) , SD=2.47) showed results comparable with the VOCAL method (average= +1.28 cm(3) , SD=2.07). We also succeeded in detecting all voxels in the whole contour of a 12-week fetus.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mathematical volume calculations are possible with the semi-automated method. We were able to apply this new method on a first trimester fetus. This new method is promising for future use in the daily practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Atrium Medical Centre, Parkstad, The Netherlands. n.smeets@atriummc.nl
authors.forename: Nicol A C
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Smeets
authors.forename: Natallia A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Dvinskikh
authors.forename: Bjorn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Winkens
authors.forename: S Guid
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Oei
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*