3-DIMENSIONAL SONOGRAPHIC VISUALIZATION OF THE FETAL FACE

OBJECTIVE. This study was done to show the potential of using three-di mensional (3D) sonography to reveal fetal facial anomalies. SUBJECTS A ND METHODS, Ninety-four healthy fetuses from 15 to 40 weeks' gestation were studied with a specially developed 3.5-MHz abdominal 3D transduc er. This imaging system provided conventional two-dimensional (2D) son ographic images and also generated within seconds high-quality 3D imag es in the surface and transparent modes with no need for an external w orkstation. RESULTS, Using this imaging system, we obtained 2D and 3D images of fetal faces (forehead, eyes, nose, lips, and chin) at six ge stational ages. At less than 24 weeks' gestation, 65% of facial struct ures were visualized. The image quality was slightly degraded because of the small fetal size. At or after 24 weeks' gestation, 84% of facia l structures were revealed. We found no significant difference in imag e quality of the fetal face between 2D and 3D sonography. CONCLUSION. The new 3D sonographic technology can generate within seconds high-qua lity 3D images of the fetal face. The 3D technology seems to perform a t least as well as conventional 2D sonography. Our results suggest tha t 3D sonography has the potential to supplement 2D sonography and migh t be useful in identifying malformations of the fetal face and chromos omal abnormalities in utero.