A method to visualize 3-dimensional anatomic changes in the cervix during pregnancy: a preliminary observational...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Medical Imaging
• Anatomical Modeling

Background:

• Pregnancy involves dynamic anatomical changes in the cervix and lower uterine segment.
• Visualizing these changes in three dimensions (3D) is crucial for understanding pregnancy progression and complications.
• Current methods may lack the detail to fully capture these complex 3D transformations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a novel method for visualizing three-dimensional (3D) anatomical alterations in the cervix and lower uterine segment during the antepartum period.
• To enable detailed observation of cervical and lower uterine segment changes throughout pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• An observational study involving patients with uncomplicated and complicated pregnancies.
• Construction of 3D solid models from 3D transvaginal sonographic data.
• Utilizing medical image-processing and mechanical design software to align and construct models from serial sonographic data.

Main Results:

• Successfully constructed 16 solid models from 5 patients, with 2-4 models per patient (15-38 weeks' gestation).
• Visualized 3D anatomical changes by superimposing models from different time points within the same patient.
• Demonstrated 3D changes related to second-trimester cervical failure and successful therapeutic cerclage.

Conclusions:

• A novel method for visualizing 3D cervical changes during pregnancy has been established.
• This technique reveals intricate anatomical modifications in the lower uterine segment, cervical stroma, and mucosa as pregnancy advances.
• The method offers a valuable tool for studying antepartum anatomical dynamics.