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Updated: May 22, 2026
A Novel Use of Three-dimensional High-frequency Ultrasonography for Early Pregnancy Characterization in the Mouse
Published on: October 24, 2017
A new semi-automated method for fetal volume measurements with three-dimensional ultrasound: preliminary results
Nicol A C Smeets1, Natallia A Dvinskikh, Bjorn Winkens
1Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Atrium Medical Centre, Parkstad, The Netherlands. n.smeets@atriummc.nl
Objective:
Complications in pregnancy are suggested to be the result of intrauterine conditions in the first trimester of pregnancy. Three-dimensional ultrasound volume measurements might give more information, compared with two-dimensional measurements. Commonly available methods for volume measurements are not suited for daily practice. This is a report of preliminary results of a promising, more practical semi-automated method for volume calculations with three-dimensional ultrasound.
Method:
Volume datasets of 16 objects (10.2-41.5 cm(3) ) were obtained. Euclidean shortening flow and Perona and Malik were used as image enhancement techniques. The image gradient was calculated. The points of interest were detected by the iso-intensity and the edge-detection technique. Volume measurements with Volume Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) are used as a reference. A volume dataset of a first trimester fetus was acquired to test this method in vivo.
Results:
The mathematical calculations with iso-intensity (Perona and Malik: average= -1.57 cm(3) , SD=4.05; and Euclidean shortening flow: average= -1.38 cm(3) , SD=2.47) showed results comparable with the VOCAL method (average= +1.28 cm(3) , SD=2.07). We also succeeded in detecting all voxels in the whole contour of a 12-week fetus.
Conclusion:
Mathematical volume calculations are possible with the semi-automated method. We were able to apply this new method on a first trimester fetus. This new method is promising for future use in the daily practice.
