Three-dimensional ultrasound in prenatal diagnosis

Several technological advances have greatly improved three-dimensional sonography, which have improved acquisition and display capabilities. This review describes these technical changes as well as current applications of 3D sonography in prenatal diagnosis.

Recently published papers have emphasized the potential of getting a precise 'any plane of choice' from a three-dimensional volume, as a new way of scanning, based on the off-line analysis of a volume dataset. Surface mode has been used to demonstrate malformations and genetic diseases. The maximum rendering mode, which highlights bones, has great potential for imaging the nasal bones and the frontal bones with the metopic suture. Organ volume can be measured, but the utility of this in clinical practice remains to be determined. Three-dimensional ultrasound needs to be standardized.

Three-dimensional ultrasonography is the most rapidly developing technique in fetal imaging. New features will permit the transition from the era of 'sonography in two-dimensional planes' to 'volume ultrasound'.