title: Semi-Automatic Identification of the Fetal Profile and Nasal Bone Measurement at the Time of the Routine Mid-Trimester Ultrasound Scan.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to compare nasal bone length (NBL) measurements using a manual multiplanar mode with those made using a newer semi-automatic technique (Volume NT™) acquired by an experienced operator as well as measurements done by two independent observers with different levels of ultrasound experience (conventional 2 D vs. Volume NT™).
  
  
  METHODS
  Ultrasound examination was performed prospectively on 81 pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy at the time of their routine mid-trimester ultrasound scan.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The correct mid-sagittal plane of the fetal profile was successfully obtained using the semi-automatic technique in 53 of 81 cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  NBL measurements using conventional two-dimensional techniques showed significantly higher inter-observer variability than the semi-automatic program. Our study shows the feasibility of using a semi-automatic technique, especially for less experienced operators. Measurements obtained with the semi-automatic technique produced much less variable results around a mean than those obtained with conventional two-dimensional ultrasound.
authors: Department of Obstetrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Weichert
authors: Department of Urology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Neymeyer
authors: Department of Obstetrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Hinkson
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Sana Klinikum Lichtenberg, Berlin, Germany.
authors: T M
authors: TM
authors: Weichert
authors: Department of Obstetrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Schmiedel
authors: Department of Obstetrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
authors: K D
authors: KD
authors: Kalache
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D005145:Face / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009295:Nasal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011446:Prospective Studies; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*