R. K. Pooh, K. H. Pooh
The assessment of fetal brain morphology and circulation by transvaginal 3D sonography and power Doppler
Objective: The objective of this article is to describe the
use of transvaginal 3D ultrasound in prenatal neuroimaging
and to investigate its clinical usefulness.
Methods: Firstly, 18 fetuses with hydrocephalus, ventriculomegaly
and/or space occupying lesion were examined
by transvaginal 3D sonography, and fetal CNS abnormalities
were evaluated. Multiplanar image analysis
and volumetric assessment were performed off-line.
Longitudinal volume changes of target structure were
evaluated, and usefulness of transvaginal 3D ultrasound
was evaluated. Secondly, in 56 normal cephalic fetuses of
between 18 and 32 weeks, 3D Doppler volume acquisition and reconstruction of the intracranial vascular
structure were performed.
Results: Longitudinal changing appearance in the same
cutting section of the enlarged ventricle or cystic lesion
could be demonstrated in all cases and volumetric assessment
was also successful in all cases. Longitudinal
objective data were useful in the brain assessment, consultation
and counselling. 3D Doppler acquisition time
was 5.6–26 seconds and symmetrical 3D-reconstruction
was successful in 51.8 %.
Conclusion: Transvaginal 3D imaging technology provides
us with not only comprehensive intracranial images
in exactly the right sections, but also with objective volume
data. Prenatal information with objective data analyses is
useful in consultation for both specialists and parents, and
leads to proper management of CNS diseases.
Journal of Perinatal Medicine, Walter de Gruyter
Print ISSN: 1619-3997
Volume: 30, 02/2002
Pages: 48 - 56
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