3-DIMENSIONAL FETAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

The complex anatomy and dynamics of the heart make it a challenging or gan to image. The fetal heart is particularly difficult because it is located deep within the mother's abdomen and direct access to electroc ardiographic information is difficult. Thus more complex imaging and a nalysis methods are necessary to obtain information regarding fetal ca rdiac anatomy and function. This information can be used for medical d iagnosis,model development and theoretical validation. The objective o f this article is to provide scientists and engineers with an overview of three-dimensional fetal echocardiography. (C) 1998 Elsevier Scienc e Ltd. All rights reserved.