Three-dimensional fetal ultrasound.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Diagnostic Ultrasound

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging emerged in the 1950s and gained research prominence in obstetrics and gynaecology by the late 1980s.
• The technique involves acquiring sequential 2D ultrasound slices to create a 3D data set.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the advancements and diagnostic potential of 3D ultrasound in medical imaging.
• To evaluate the innovative capabilities of 3D ultrasound, including new section creation, surface shading, and volume calculation.

Main Methods:

• Acquisition of 3D ultrasound data through consecutive 2D slices.
• Conversion of acquired ultrasound data into a regular cubic representation for visualization.
• Utilizing 3D visualization modes, including new section creation and surface shading.

Main Results:

• 3D ultrasound enables novel visualization modes and accurate volume calculations.
• Surface shading and the creation of new ultrasound sections can improve the diagnosis of congenital anomalies and dysmorphology.
• Currently, all diagnoses demonstrated by 3D ultrasound can also be made using conventional 2D ultrasound.

Conclusions:

• 3D ultrasound offers innovative diagnostic tools and visualization techniques in obstetrics and gynaecology.
• Despite advancements, the diagnostic capabilities of 3D ultrasound are currently matched by 2D ultrasound.
• The role of 3D ultrasound in clinical practice is expected to evolve, but 2D ultrasound remains sufficient for current diagnostic needs.