Sonographic Assessment of Fetal Anatomy in the First Trimester: A Comparative Study of Visualization Rates Using Two-...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Obstetrics
• Fetal Medicine

Background:

• First-trimester ultrasound is crucial for fetal anatomical assessment.
• Comparing standard 2D ultrasound with single 3D volume acquisition for visualization rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the visualization rates of fetal anatomical structures using standard 2D ultrasound versus a single 3D volume in the first trimester.

Main Methods:

• Multicenter prospective study involving experienced sonographers.
• Standardized protocol to assess 17 key fetal anatomical structures.
• Included non-anomalous fetuses between 11 + 0 and 13 + 6 weeks gestation.

Main Results:

• 2D ultrasound visualized all 17 structures in 64.85% of fetuses, compared to 35.15% with 3D ultrasound (p=0.001).
• Statistically significant differences in visualization rates were observed for posterior fossa, neck, orbits, nasal bone, lung fields, cardiac axis, bladder, and abdominal wall.
• No significant differences were found for other anatomical portions.

Conclusions:

• Standard 2D ultrasound is superior for a complete fetal anatomy assessment in the first trimester.
• 3D ultrasound demonstrated lower overall visualization rates but comparable performance for specific structures.
• 3D ultrasound may serve as a supplementary tool in specific clinical scenarios.