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Fetal lung volume determination by three-dimensional ultrasonography
A Lee1, A Kratochwil, I Stümpflen
1Department of Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy, University of Vienna, Austria.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Three-dimensional ultrasonography can accurately estimate fetal lung volume, aiding in the prenatal diagnosis of pulmonary hypoplasia. This method provides a reliable way to assess fetal lung development during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Fetal Medicine
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Pulmonary hypoplasia is a frequent complication in high-risk pregnancies.
- Prenatal diagnosis of fetal lung volume is crucial but not yet standardized.
- Accurate fetal lung volume assessment is essential for managing compromised pregnancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of three-dimensional ultrasonography in determining fetal lung volume.
- To establish a method for routine prenatal diagnosis of lung volume.
- To assess the feasibility of using 3D ultrasound for fetal lung volume estimation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three-dimensional ultrasonography for fetal lung volume measurements.
- Calculated lung volume by subtracting fetal heart volume from fetal thoracic volume.
- Performed 108 measurements across 78 singleton pregnancies.
Main Results:
- Linear regression analysis demonstrated a strong correlation (R2 = 0.77, p < 0.001) for fetal lung volume growth.
- Fetal lung volume ranged from 2.8 ml at 14 weeks' gestation to 148 ml at term.
- The technique provided fast and easy access for volume estimation.
Conclusions:
- Three-dimensional ultrasonography enables sophisticated volume measurements beyond surface rendering.
- This method offers a practical approach for estimating fetal lung volume.
- 3D ultrasound can be reliably used to predict fetal lung volume in utero.