Three-dimensional ultrasonographic assessment of fetal total lung volume as a prognostic factor in primary pleural effusion
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
Three-Dimensional Phase Resolved Functional Lung Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: June 21, 2024
Rodrigo Ruano1, Alan Saito Ramalho, Rogerio Caixeta Moraes de Freitas
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, 255 Avenida Dr Enéias de Carvalho Aguiar, 10° Andar, 05403-900 São Paulo-SP, Brazil. rodrigoruano@usp.br
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to predict perinatal outcomes using fetal total lung volumes assessed by 3-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) in primary pleural effusion.
Methods:
Between July 2005 and July 2010, total lung volumes were prospectively estimated in fetuses with primary pleural effusion by 3DUS using virtual organ computer-aided analysis software. The first and last US examinations were considered in the analysis. The observed/expected total lung volumes were calculated. Main outcomes were perinatal death (up to 28 days of life) and respiratory morbidity (orotracheal intubation with mechanical respiratory support >48 hours).
Results:
Twelve of 19 fetuses (63.2%) survived. Among the survivors, 7 (58.3%) had severe respiratory morbidity. The observed/expected total lung volume at the last US examination before birth was significantly associated with perinatal death (P < .01) and respiratory morbidity (P < .01) as well as fetal hydrops (P < .01) and bilateral effusion (P = .01).
Conclusions:
Fetal total lung volumes may be useful for the prediction of perinatal outcomes in primary pleural effusion.
