Four-dimensional HDlive rendering image of fetal facial expression: a pictorial essay.
BACKGROUND
Our objective was to present our experience of fetal facial expressions reconstructed employing the four-dimensional (4D) HDlive rendering mode.


METHODS
A total of 23 normal fetuses at 18-36 weeks' gestation were studied using the 4D HDlive rendering mode.


RESULTS
The 4D HDlive rendering mode provided extraordinarily realistic features of the fetal face. In particular, blinking, mouthing, swallowing, yawning, tongue expulsion, and sucking were clearly noted. Moreover, various realistic fetal emotional expressions such as smiling-like and crying-like movements were recognized. The 4D HDlive rendered images of fetal facial expressions seem to be more readily discernible than those obtained by conventional 4D ultrasonography.


CONCLUSIONS
Observation of facial expressions using the 4D HDlive rendering mode is considered to reflect the normal and abnormal neurological development of the fetus. Therefore, the 4D HDlive rendering mode may assist in evaluation of fetal brain function, and offer potential advantages relative to conventional 4D ultrasonography.
Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan. toshi28@med.kagawa-u.ac.jp.
Toshiyuki
T
Hata
Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan.
Uiko
U
Hanaoka
Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan.
Masato
M
Mashima
GE Yokogawa Medical Systems, Nishihara 8-38-29-3, Asaminami-ku, Hiroshima, 731-0113, Japan.
Mari
M
Ishimura
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Itabashi Chuo Medical Center, 2-12-7 Azusawa, Itabashi, Tokyo, 174-0051, Japan.
Genzo
G
Marumo
Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan.
Kenji
K
Kanenishi
4D ultrasonography; Fetal brain function; Fetal emotion; Fetal facial expression; Fetal facial movement; HDlive