Comparative Analysis of Two- Versus Three-Dimensional Sonography for Nuchal Translucency Measurement.

Area of Science:

• Medical imaging
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Prenatal diagnostics

Background:

• First trimester screening (FTS) is crucial for assessing fetal health.
• Nuchal translucency (NT) measurement is a key parameter in FTS.
• Standardized two-dimensional (2D) sonography is the conventional method for NT measurement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the correlation between three-dimensional (3D) and 2D sonography for NT measurements.
• To determine if 3D sonography can serve as a reliable alternative or adjunct to 2D sonography in FTS.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study involving 366 singleton pregnancies undergoing FTS.
• Standardized 2D NT measurements were taken, followed by 3D sagittal and axial plane measurements.
• Statistical analysis using Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman rank correlation.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in mean NT measurements between 2D and 3D methods (p = 0.42).
• High Spearman rank correlation coefficients observed between 2D and 3D NT measurements (0.73 for sagittal, 0.68 for axial; p < 0.001).
• 3D sonography demonstrated strong agreement with the conventional 2D approach.

Conclusions:

• 3D sonography is highly correlated with the conventional 2D sonographic method for NT measurement.
• 3D NT measurement can be a valuable tool in specific situations, particularly when optimal 2D measurements are difficult to obtain.
• This technique may enhance the reliability of NT assessment during first trimester screening.