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Prenatal diagnosis: what does four-dimensional ultrasound add?
Asim Kurjak1, Nenad Vecek, Tomislav Hafner
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School University of Zagreb, Sveti Duh Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia.
Introduction:
The key benefit of 4D ultrasound lies in providing real-time 3D images of embryonic or fetal movements, previously limited by technological advancement.
Aim:
To classify types of first trimester embryonic and fetal movements in normal pregnancies as seen by 4D sonography.
Results:
Three types of movements can be visualized in the first trimester: gross body between seven and eight weeks, limb movements after ten weeks and complex limb movements after 11 weeks of gestation.
Discussion:
An alteration from the given pattern of motoric development should be considered as an indication for further investigation.
Conclusion:
4D ultrasound enables visualization of more details of the dynamics of small anatomical structures. Therefore, body and limb movements can be visualized a week earlier than with 2D.