Three-dimensional sonographic features of nuchal edema

To describe the three-dimensional (3D) sonographic features of nuchal edema in the early second trimester of pregnancy.

From 16 to 22 weeks of gestation 5 cases with nuchal edema were studied using transabdominal 3D sonography.

Nuchal edema could be easily imaged with both two-dimensional and 3D sonography; however, visualization of the continuity and curvature of structures was more easily accomplished with 3D sonography. Before 20 weeks of gestation, the skin has a transparent structure, so the bony structures are clearly identified. 3D sonography allowed visualization of nuchal edema in all three dimensions at the same time, providing an improved overview and a more clearly defined demonstration of the adjusted anatomical planes.

These results suggest that 3D sonography provides a novel means of visualizing nuchal edema in utero.