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Updated: May 10, 2026
Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System
Published on: May 5, 2018
Three-dimensional HDlive rendering images of the fetal heart
Toshiyuki Hata1, Masato Mashima, Megumi Ito
1Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan. toshi28@med.kagawa-u.ac.jp
Insights
Three-dimensional (3D) HDlive rendering with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) offers realistic visualization of fetal heart anatomy. This advanced imaging technique aids in diagnosing congenital heart anomalies in fetuses.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Fetal Cardiology
- 3D Ultrasound Technology
Background:
- Accurate visualization of fetal cardiac structures is crucial for diagnosing congenital heart disease.
- Traditional 2D ultrasound may have limitations in fully assessing complex cardiac anatomy and motion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of 3D HDlive rendering with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) for reconstructing normal and anomalous fetal cardiac structures.
- To describe the visual experience and diagnostic capabilities of this advanced imaging modality.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3D HDlive rendering with STIC on seven fetuses (25-35 weeks gestation): four normal and three with congenital heart anomalies (Ebstein's anomaly, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, tetralogy of Fallot).
- Focused on real-time visualization of dynamic valve motion and detailed anatomical assessment in various views.
Main Results:
- Successfully visualized dynamic motion of the foramen ovale flap and atrioventricular valves in normal fetuses.
- Provided realistic depictions of valve leaflets and great vessels.
- Accurately demonstrated specific anomalies: low tricuspid valve attachment in Ebstein's anomaly, thickened valves in hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and overriding aorta with VSD in tetralogy of Fallot.
Conclusions:
- 3D HDlive rendering with STIC offers unprecedented, anatomically realistic visualization of fetal cardiac structures.
- This technology provides valuable insights for obstetricians and pediatric cardiologists in diagnosing fetal heart conditions.
Abstract:
Our objective is to describe our experience with reconstruction of normal fetal cardiac structures and congenital heart anomalies using the 3-D HDlive rendering mode with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC). Four normal fetuses and three fetuses with congenital heart anomalies (Ebstein's anomaly, hypoplastic left heart syndrome and tetralogy of Fallot) at 25-35 wk of gestation were studied using the 3-D HDlive rendering mode with STIC. In normal fetuses, the natural appearance of the dynamic motion of the foramen ovale flap and both atrioventricular valves was clearly visualized in real time in the four-chamber view. Moreover, new, realistic sensations of each leaflet of atrioventricular valves and semilunar valves of the pulmonary artery were obtained in the en face view of both atrioventricular valves and great vessels. In the case of Ebstein's anomaly, the procedure rendered the natural and anatomically realistic appearance of significantly low attachment of the tricuspid valve and atrialized portion of the right ventricle. In hypoplastic left heart syndrome, thickened tricuspid and dysplastic pulmonary valves were clearly revealed. In tetralogy of Fallot, an overriding aorta and ventricular septal defect were realistically depicted. The 3-D HDlive rendering mode with STIC provides entirely new visual experiences for obstetricians and pediatric cardiologists owing to the anatomically realistic depiction of normal and abnormal fetal cardiac structures of the beating heart.
