USE OF 3-DIMENSIONAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY FOR THE STUDY OF NORMAL AND PATHOLOGICAL MORPHOLOGY OF THE HUMAN EMBRYO AND FETUS - PRELIMINARY-REPORT

Our objective was to determine whether three-dimensional ultrasonograp hy offers advantages over two-dimensional sonography for the evaluatio n of normal and pathologic morphology of human embryos and fetuses at various stages of pregnancy. Our studies suggest that small fetal and embryonic malformations are better defined with 3D sonography. Our exp erience indicates that 3D sonography allows more detailed visualizatio n of fetal internal structures. We believe that with technical improve ments 3D sonography will permit a more complete evaluation of fetuses earlier in gestation than is possible with current 2D sonographic inst ruments.