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Evolution of fetal ultrasonography

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Abstract

The authors wish to highlight the evolution that has occurred in fetal ultrasound in recent years. A first significant evolution lies in the increasing contribution of first trimester ultrasound for the detection of fetal anomalies. Malformations of several organs and systems have been diagnosed during the first trimester. Furthermore the systematic measurement of the fetal neck translucency has led to increasing rate of detection of aneuploidies and heart malformations. For several years now, three-dimensional (3D) and 4D ultrasound (US) have been used as a complementary tool to 2D US for the evaluation of fetal morphology. This brings an improved morphologic assessment of the fetus. Applications of the techniques are increasing, especially for the fetal face, heart and extremities. The third field where fetal US is continuously providing important information is the knowledge of the natural history of diseases. This has brought significant improvement in the postnatal management of several diseases, especially urinary tract dilatation and broncho-pulmonary malformation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Imaging, Erasme Hospital, Route de Lennik, 808, B - 1070, Brussels, Belgium

    F. E. Avni, M. Cassart & A. Massez

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fetal Unit, Erasme Hospital, 808 Route de Lennik, 1070, Brussels, Belgium

    T. Cos & C. Donner

  3. Department of Ambulatory Pediatric Nephrology, Erasme Hospital, 808 Route de Lennik, 1070, Brussels, Belgium

    K. Ismaili & M. Hall

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  1. F. E. Avni
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  2. T. Cos
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Correspondence to F. E. Avni.

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Avni, F.E., Cos, T., Cassart, M. et al. Evolution of fetal ultrasonography. Eur Radiol 17, 419–431 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-006-0307-1

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