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Advantages of 3D ultrasound in the assessment of fetal abnormalities

  • Eberhard Merz and Sonila Pashaj
Published/Copyright: February 3, 2017

Abstract

Three-/four-dimensional (3D/4D) imaging enables a more detailed survey of the embryo and the fetus compared to two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound. The availability of several display modes and standardized examinations permits the demonstration of both the normal and abnormal fetal anatomy in controlled planes and rendered images from different angles. This allows the demonstration of even subtle fetal defects in an ideal sectional plane in a precisely rendered surface or transparent image viewed from an optimal angle. When counseling the parents, the rendered images can help them understand the severity of an existing malformation or, conversely, ensure them of the absence of any fetal abnormality. This is particularly useful in cases with an increased recurrence risk of a specific fetal malformation.

Author’s Statement

  1. Conflict of interest: Authors state no conflict of interest.

  2. Material and methods: Informed consent: Informed consent has been obtained from all individuals included in this study.

  3. Ethical approval: The research related to human subject use has complied with all the relevant national regulations, and institutional policies, and is in accordance with the tenets of the Helsinki Declaration, and has been approved by the authors’ institutional review board or equivalent committee.

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Received: 2016-11-25
Accepted: 2016-12-20
Published Online: 2017-2-3
Published in Print: 2017-8-28

©2017 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

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