Use of free-hand three-dimensional ultrasound software in the study of the fetal heart

To propose a new approach to the study of the fetal heart using free-hand three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound software.

We studied a total of 28 fetuses, of which 26 were normal and two were known to have heart pathology. In all of them a B-mode scan was performed. After obtaining a four-chamber view, and keeping the transducer in the same position, the free-hand 3D-View software was activated. A sequence of frames was stored. Additional information was recorded looking from the four-chamber view towards the outflow tract, and also adding color Doppler.

We obtained a multiplanar display of one B-mode and two perpendicular M-modes in all cases studied. In this multiplanar mode, Y and X axes represent distance and Z axis represents time. We were able to obtain M-modes and a variation of color-M-mode in any desired position. Moving the information along the Z axis, a frame sequence of the B-mode was obtained. Using this approach we observed one case of fetal supraventricular extrasystoles and other having an interventricular septum defect.

This modality gives a new perspective of fetal heart scanning using the free-hand 3D-View software, in which there is benefit from many of the advantages of the 3D software, although the power of this procedure must be improved.