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Four-dimensional HDlive rendering image of fetal facial expression: a pictorial essay
Toshiyuki Hata1, Uiko Hanaoka2, Masato Mashima2
1Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan. toshi28@med.kagawa-u.ac.jp.
Background:
Our objective was to present our experience of fetal facial expressions reconstructed employing the four-dimensional (4D) HDlive rendering mode.
Methods:
A total of 23 normal fetuses at 18-36 weeks' gestation were studied using the 4D HDlive rendering mode.
Results:
The 4D HDlive rendering mode provided extraordinarily realistic features of the fetal face. In particular, blinking, mouthing, swallowing, yawning, tongue expulsion, and sucking were clearly noted. Moreover, various realistic fetal emotional expressions such as smiling-like and crying-like movements were recognized. The 4D HDlive rendered images of fetal facial expressions seem to be more readily discernible than those obtained by conventional 4D ultrasonography.
Conclusion:
Observation of facial expressions using the 4D HDlive rendering mode is considered to reflect the normal and abnormal neurological development of the fetus. Therefore, the 4D HDlive rendering mode may assist in evaluation of fetal brain function, and offer potential advantages relative to conventional 4D ultrasonography.