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Current 3D/4D ultrasound technology in prenatal diagnosis

  • Clinical Review
  • Published:
European Clinics in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Abstract

3D/4D ultrasound technology has currently reached a stage where it can easily be used in daily routine examinations. In contrast to conventional 2D ultrasound, which only presents the foetus in a 2D perspective, the different 3D modes provide us with images that can never be achieved with 2D ultrasound and give the physician the opportunity to identify normal and abnormal foetal anatomy in the most appropriate mode. 4D ultrasound with fast volume acquisition not only offers the detection of normal and abnormal foetal movements, but, using STIC-Colour, also the observation and examination of the foetal heart in motion. Concerning counselling of patients, rendered images help parents understand the severity of an existing malformation or believe the absence of foetal abnormality, particularly in cases with increased recurrence risk. Digital storage of volumes (not only of 2D images) provides many advantages: (1) the volumes can be reloaded to fully scrutinize equivocal findings in the absence of the patient, and (2) with knowledge of their content, they can be used for educational purposes. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the power and current display facilities of 3D/4D, particularly to those physicians not performing such examinations on a regular basis.

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  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Krankenhaus Nordwest, 60488, Frankfurt/Main, Germany

    E. Merz

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Merz, E. Current 3D/4D ultrasound technology in prenatal diagnosis. Eur Clinics Obstet Gynecol 1, 184–193 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11296-005-0005-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11296-005-0005-6

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