3-DIMENSIONAL ULTRASOUND - DISPLAY MODALITIES IN THE FETAL SPINE AND THORAX

Purpose: To evaluate the display modalities of three dimensional ultra sound (3D US) in the prenatal assessment of the fetal spine and thorax . Method: Twenty prenatal spine examinations (mean gestational age: 21 weeks, 15 normal findings, five pathological cases) were performed wi th a commercially available 3D US device. The visualization of fetal s pine and rib anatomy and pathology by 30 US display was evaluated usin g various rendering methods and the optimal method was determined in r egard to comprehensive diagnostic display. Results: Demonstration of c ontinuity of both the spine and the ribs could be achieved by 3D US. V isualization of clavicles, scapula and iliac bone was possible on rend ered images. Conclusion: 3D US offers an additional diagnostic tool fo r prenatal assessment of the fetal spine and ribs; it provides a conti nuous demonstration of curved or tortuous structures in the rendered i mage. It improves comprehension of complex anatomy by providing a simu ltaneous display of all orthogonal sectional planes.