Transabdominal three-dimensional volume imaging of the fetal brain at 18-24 weeks' gestation

Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the quality of the visualization of fetal neuroanatomical structures at 18-24 weeks gestation using three-dimensional transabdominal ultrasound. Methods: A retrospective study of 40 stored fetal head volumes obtained from 1 November 1999 to 30 June 2000 was undertaken as part of an institutional review board-approved study. The quality of stored images for three axial planes, the midline sagital plane and three coronal planes was graded using a three tier system (optimal, suboptimal and poor). Results: Optimal visualization for the seven anatomic planes under study ranged from 38% to 55%. Conclusion: Three-dimensional trans abdominal volume studies of the fetal brain show promise for the diagnosis of structural anomalies of the developing brain. However, technological improvements in the quality of resolution will be required for this technique to be incorporated into routine clinical practice.