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Published on: October 24, 2017
Assessment of the third-trimester fetus using 3-dimensional volumes: a pilot study
Bryann Bromley1, Thomas D Shipp, Beryl Benacerraf
1Department of Radiology and Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Purpose:
To examine whether the third-trimester fetus can be assessed sonographically using 3-dimensional (3D) volume data sets.
Methods:
Twenty-seven consecutive third-trimester fetuses were evaluated. Fetuses were scanned using 2-dimensional (2D) imaging followed by 5 3D volume acquisitions. The initial scan was interpreted and reported based on the 2D images. The 3D volume data sets were independently reviewed offline several weeks later by 2 sonologists. Parameters evaluated included fetal presentation, placental location, amniotic fluid volume, fetal biometry including a calculation of estimated fetal weight, and major fetal anatomic structures. The result of the interpretation via 3D reconstruction of the volume from each of the 2 sonologists was compared with the original 2D sonography report.
Results:
Fetal presentation, amniotic fluid volume, and placental location with respect to the cervix were correctly identified 100% of the time by each sonologist. The estimated fetal weight was within 10% of the 2D estimate 89% (95% CI, 0.71-0.98) of the time for sonologist A and 96% (95% CI, 0.81-0.99) of the time for sonologist B. The majority of major anatomic landmarks were adequately seen by both sonologists.
Conclusion:
Offline review of 3D volume data sets is a reliable method for determining fetal presentation, amniotic fluid volume, placental location, and estimating fetal weight in the third trimester.
