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Published on: June 21, 2024
Fetal lung volume measurements using 3D ultrasonography
D Miric Tesanic1, E Merz, S Wellek
1Private practice, Privatna ginekoloska ordinacija dr. J. Grujic Koracin, Zagreb, Croatia. danka.miric-tesanic@zg.htnet.hr
Ultraschall in Der Medizin (Stuttgart, Germany : 1980)
|August 3, 2011
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound enables fetal lung volumetry for early pulmonary hypoplasia detection. Nomograms show significant lung, heart, and thoracic volume growth, with right lung volume exceeding left.
Area of Science:
- Fetal Medicine
- Medical Imaging
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Accurate fetal measurements are crucial for assessing development.
- Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography offers advanced visualization and volumetric analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish fetal lung, thoracic, and heart volume nomograms.
- Utilize 3D ultrasonographic measurements for precise fetal anatomical assessment.
Main Methods:
- Examined 300 fetuses (18-34 weeks gestation) using advanced 3D ultrasound devices.
- Measured fetal lung volumes using multiplanar mode and area tracing.
- Plotted volume data against gestational age to create nomograms.
Main Results:
- Nomograms demonstrated increasing fetal lung, heart, and thoracic volumes from 22-34 weeks.
- Identified a statistically significant difference in volume between the right and left fetal lungs (right > left).
- 3D lung volumetry and 2D measurements were complementary for detecting pulmonary hypoplasia before 24 weeks gestation.
Conclusions:
- 3D ultrasound facilitates efficient fetal lung volumetry, particularly before 30 weeks gestation.
- This method shows promise for early detection of pulmonary hypoplasia, even before 24 weeks.
- 3D ultrasound is a valuable tool for assessing fetal thoracic development and identifying potential abnormalities.
