The "arrow' pattern. A new "anatomical' fetal biparietal diameter

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Accurate fetal biometry is crucial for monitoring fetal growth and development.
• Standardized methods for measuring fetal parameters like biparietal diameter are essential for clinical reliability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a novel anatomical pattern-based ultrasonic method for measuring fetal biparietal diameter.
• To assess the consistency and practicality of this method in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Development of an ultrasonic measurement technique based on a specific anatomical 'arrow' pattern.
• Application of the method in both A/B-scan and real-time ultrasound modes.
• Evaluation of the method's consistency through measurements in 100 patients.

Main Results:

• The proposed anatomical pattern method allows for consistent identification and measurement of the fetal biparietal diameter.
• Mean differences in biparietal diameter measurements between different ultrasound modes were minimal (0.0632 mm).
• The method proved practical for use in both A/B-scan and real-time ultrasound.

Conclusions:

• The described ultrasonic method provides a practical and consistent approach to fetal biparietal diameter measurement.
• This technique enhances the reliability of fetal biometry in obstetric ultrasound examinations.