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Objective To evaluate the value of three-dimensional ultrasound volume contrast imaging (VCI) and tomo graphy ultrasound imaging (TUI) techniques in observing fetal spinal conus medullaris (CM) position and lumbar enlargement of spinal cord morphologic changes,for assessment of tethered cord (TC).Methods Totally 17 abnormal fetuses of spinal diseases combined with TC (abnormal group) were examined by three dimensional ultrasound VCI and TUI techniques.The position of CM was recorded,and the transverse and anteroposterior diameters of lumbar enlargement of spinal cord were measured and compared with 300 cases of normal fetuses (normal group).Results As the growth of the gestational age (CA),CM terminal position increased.All the ends of CM located at L3 or L3 above level in normal.The transverse and anteroposterior diameters of lumbar enlargement in normal group showed good linear relationship with GA.Transverse diameter (mm) =0.677+0.147 ×GA (R2 =0.836,P<0.05),anteroposterior diameter (mm)-0.994+ 0.152× GA (R2=0.894,P<0.05).Compared with the corresponding GA fetuses in normal group,the anteroposterior diameter of lumbar enlargement decreased in abnormal group (P=0.002),while no statistical difference of the transverse diameter was found between the two groups (P=0.082).Conclusion Position of CM and lumbar enlargement measure ment can provide valuable reference information for clinical prenatal diagnosis of fetal spinal TC.
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Purpose To discuss the ultrasonic cardiogram of cardiac rhabdomyoma,and to analyze the change trend of single and multiple rhabdomyoma before and 6 months after childbirth.Materials and Methods Eleven fetuses diagnosed as cardiac rhabdomyoma prenatally from January 2014 to January 2016 were analyzed retrospectively,and the tumor size,number and anatomical location were recorded by ultrasound.The 11 fetuses were divided into single group and multiple group,and both groups were reviewed the changes to tumors during pregnancy and within postnatal 6 months.Results For 11 cases with rhabdomyoma,6 cases were in the multiple group,with tumors growing in 5 cases,and tumors unchanged in 1 case,and 5 cases were in the single group,with all tumors unchanged.The prenatal difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05).After six months follow-up of 11 fetuses with cardiac rhabdomyoma,tumor regression occurred in 2 cases of the multiple group,tumors were unchanged in 4 cases,tumor regression occurred in 2 cases of the single group,tumors were unchanged in 3 cases,and there was no significant difference between the fetuses in the two groups within postnatal 6 months (P>0.05).Conclusion The cardic rhabdomyoma has a tendency to increase in the prenatal period,and the increase may be significant in the multiple group.The rhabdomyoma is relatively stable within 6 months follow-up after birth,and there is a partial regression trend,without significant difference between single and multiple groups.
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Objective To study the ultrasonographic features and differential diagnosis of fetal penoscrotal transposition.Two dimensional and three dimensional ultrasound were applied in the diagnosis of fetal penoscrotal transpositionto improve the detection rate. Methods Twenty cases of suspected penile scrotal transposition of the fetus in Shengjing Hospital affiliated to China Medical University fromJanuary 2015 to February 2017were included in present study. The ultrasound findings, fetal chromosome examination and clinical follow-up outcome were retrospectively summarized. Results Among the 20 suspected cases of penile scrotal transposition, 17 cases were diagnosed correctly. All the 17 cases were partial type of penile scrotal transposition. In the remaining 3 cases, 2 caseswere hermaphroditism with the karyotype of 46-XX, and the other 1 case was confirmed as normal female fetusesby clinical follow-up after birth. The ″tulip″signwas the typical ultrasonographic features offetal penoscrotal transposition. Conclusion 2D combined with 3D ultraosound is useful in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of fetal penile scrotal transposition.
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Objective To investigate the sonographic characteristics of prune belly syndrome (PBS) in early period of second trimester. Methods A total of 16 pregnancies with diagnosis of PBS were enrolled between January 2014 and March 2017. Their sonographic characteristics and autopsy outcomes were analyzed. Results Overdistension of fetal bladder and flimsy fetal abdominal wall were found in all 16 cases. And there were 5 cases found prenatally to be associated with other abnormalities, including single umbilical artery (2 cases), sacrococcygeal teratoma (1 case), spina bifida manifesta (1 case) and strephenopodia (1 case). All women decided to terminatethe pregnancy, and deficiency of the abdominal musculature and increased collagen fiber were found by autopsy. Because of the confusion of the huge bladder, one case associated with imperforate anus was missed by prenatal ultrasonography. Conclusion Prenatal diagnosis of PBS in early period of second trimester is very important, because the amniotic fluid volume is still enough to evaluate the fetal structure.
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Objective To investigate the value of prenatal ultrasound in diagnosis of fetal posterior urethral valve (PUV) and the differential diagnosis of related diseases.Methods The antenatal ultrasonographic manifestations and the outcomes of 14 cases with congenital lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) in Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from December 2014 to December 2016 were analyzed.The ultrasound features and differential diagnosis of fetal posterior urethral valve were summarized and analyzed.Results Fourteen male fetuses with LUTO were prenatally diagnosed.Eleven fetuses were diagnosed as PUV,I as urethral atresia,2 as megacystis and LUTO.Among the fourteen fetuses,11 were confirmed as PUV after delivery,1 as urethral atresia,2 as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).One case among them was diagnosed as PUV,and latter proved to be VUR.In 2 cases among them,prenatal ultrasound indicated megacystis,but 1 case was proved to be PUV,and 1 case was VUR.The prenatal ultrasound of the PUV fetuses showed enlarged bladder and thickened bladder wall.Most of them were accompanied by the keyhole sign.Conclusion Prenatal ultrasound can assist in the diagnosis of PUV by analyzing the anatomy of the bladder and accompanying malformations,which provides valuable diagnostic information for the clinical practice.
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Objective To evaluate the repeatability for location of the level of fetal conus medullaris (CM) with three-dimensional volume contrast imaging (3D-VCI).Methods Totally 164 normal fetuses and 12 fetuses with low-lying CM were enrolled.The location of fetal CM was performed sonographically using 3D-VCI,and the inter-and intra-observer agreement was assessed.Results The Kappa value of inter-and intra-observer agreement in evaluation on normal fetues CM was 0.943 and 0.915,and that for abnormal fetues CM was 0.965 and 0.913,respectively.Conclusion Inter-and intra-observer agreement of 3I-VCI in location of level of fetal CM is high.The acquired images are clear and intuitive,which is manipulated simply and conveniently.This method can be used for rapid evaluation of the level of fetal CM.
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Objective To evaluate the repeatability for location of the level of fetal conus medullaris (CM) with three-dimensional volume contrast imaging (3D-VCI).Methods Totally 164 normal fetuses and 12 fetuses with low-lying CM were enrolled.The location of fetal CM was performed sonographically using 3D-VCI,and the inter-and intra-observer agreement was assessed.Results The Kappa value of inter-and intra-observer agreement in evaluation on normal fetues CM was 0.943 and 0.915,and that for abnormal fetues CM was 0.965 and 0.913,respectively.Conclusion Inter-and intra-observer agreement of 3I-VCI in location of level of fetal CM is high.The acquired images are clear and intuitive,which is manipulated simply and conveniently.This method can be used for rapid evaluation of the level of fetal CM.
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We describe a case of a fetus with an ectopic connection of the ductus venosus to a dilated coronary sinus that was diagnosed at ShengJing Hospital of China Medical University. A dilated coronary sinus was initially detected with prenatal echocardiography. Neither a persistent left superior vena cava nor an anomalous pulmonary venous connection was present. After comprehensive examination, we discovered that the ductus venosus had an abnormal course draining into the coronary sinus. The postnatal outcome of this fetus was good. Once a dilated coronary sinus is confirmed, further ultrasound evaluation should be performed to search for a potential cause.
Subject(s)
Coronary Sinus/diagnostic imaging , Ultrasonography, Prenatal , Vascular Malformations/diagnostic imaging , Coronary Vessels/diagnostic imaging , Female , Humans , PregnancyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of using four-dimensional echocardiography with B-flow and spatiotemporal image correlation (4DBF-STIC) imaging technology to detect fetal ductus venosus (DV), and establish the normal reference range for the ductus venosus diameter at 18-40 weeks gestation. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study to detect the DV in 354 normal fetuses at 18-40 weeks of gestation using color Doppler echocardiography (CDE) and 4DBF-STIC imaging. CDE was performed on an oblique transverse plane of the fetal abdomen, with scanning around the long-axis view of the aortic arch. The DV inlet was measured on a two-dimensional gray-scale image of the long-axis view of the DV. Offline analyses of all datasets were performed. RESULTS: The inlet diameter of the DV increased with increasing gestational age. There were no gender-related differences in the DV diameter. Data revealed that 4DBF-STIC was the best method to detect the DV between 18 and 29 weeks of gestation. The visualization rate was higher when scanning around the long-axis view of the aortic arch with CDE than when scanning around the oblique transverse plane throughout the gestational period. CONCLUSIONS: Scanning around the long-axis view of the aortic arch using CDE was best suited for detecting the DV in clinical practice, whereas 4DBF-STIC was a feasible and promising technology to detect the fetal DV before 29 weeks of gestation.
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Echocardiography, Doppler, Color/methods , Echocardiography, Four-Dimensional/methods , Fetal Heart/diagnostic imaging , Fetal Heart/physiology , Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/methods , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Blood Flow Velocity , Feasibility Studies , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Prospective Studies , Reference Values , Regional Blood Flow , Young AdultABSTRACT
Fetal intestinal volvulus is a rare life-threatening condition usually manifesting after birth with most cases being associated with intestinal malrotation. It appears on prenatal sonography (US) as a twisting of the bowel loops around the mesenteric artery, leading to mechanical obstruction and ischemic necrosis of the bowel. We report a case of intrauterine intestinal volvulus with ileal atresia, suspected when US revealed a typical "whirlpool" sign at 37 weeks' gestation, with a segment of markedly distended bowel loops and small amount of fetal ascites.
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Ileum/abnormalities , Intestinal Atresia/diagnostic imaging , Intestinal Volvulus/diagnostic imaging , Ultrasonography, Doppler , Ultrasonography, Prenatal , Female , Humans , Ileum/diagnostic imaging , Infant, Newborn , Intestinal Atresia/complications , Intestinal Volvulus/complications , PregnancyABSTRACT
AIMS: To evaluate the role of four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound with B-flow imaging and spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) in the evaluation of normal fetal heart and congenital heart disease during pregnancy. METHODS: Volume data sets of the fetal heart were acquired with automated transverse and longitudinal sweeps of the anterior chest wall. We studied 31 normal fetuses and 28 fetuses with congenital heart disease (6 with double-outlet right ventricle, 5 with complete transposition of great arteries, 8 with tetralogy of Fallot, 3 with right aortic arch, 2 with persistent left superior vena cava, 3 with truncus arteriosus communis, and 1 with interruption of aortic arch) at gestation ages ranging from 18 to 39 weeks using transabdominal 4D B-flow sonography with STIC (4D BF-STIC). RESULTS: Four-dimensional BF-STIC demonstrated dynamic angiographic features in both normal and abnormal fetal hearts. Four-dimensional BF-STIC images could not be obtained in two normal fetuses at 18.9 and 35.6 weeks because of the high fetal heart rate and inappropriate fetal position. Of the other 29 fetuses all extracardiac vessels such as aorta, pulmonary artery, ductus arteriosus, inferior vena cava, and ductus venosus could be detected on reconstructed images. In seven normal cases, a 4D image was recorded to allow simultaneous visualization of all four pulmonary veins. In the 28 fetuses with cardiac anomalies, 4D sonography with B-flow imaging and STIC detected the "digital casts" of the outflow tracts, great arteries, and veins draining into the heart. These results demonstrate spatial relationship among these structures which provide important anatomical information. CONCLUSION: Four-dimensional BF-STIC provides a means of real time three-dimensional evaluation of fetal extracardiac hemodynamics in the second and third trimesters. This novel technique assists in the evaluation of fetal cardiac hemodynamics and may play an important role in future fetal cardiac research and in the identification of anatomical features of different congenital cardiac anomalies.
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Algorithms , Echocardiography, Four-Dimensional/methods , Heart Defects, Congenital/diagnostic imaging , Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/methods , Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/methods , Female , Humans , Image Enhancement/methods , Male , Pregnancy , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , Statistics as TopicABSTRACT
Constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus in utero can be caused by pharmacological agents or can occur spontaneously. The spontaneous constriction and closure of the ductus arteriosus have been reported sporadically in the previous literature, either completely obliterated or constricted ductus arteriosus causing narrowing. This cardiac defect was characterized by no blood flow through the ductus arteriosus without lumen narrowing. The fetal echocardiography revealed the features of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus. We report a case of occlusion of the ductus arteriosus at 38 weeks of gestation that had a favorable postnatal outcome after immediate cesarean section.
Subject(s)
Ductus Arteriosus/diagnostic imaging , Ductus Arteriosus/physiopathology , Ultrasonography, Prenatal , Adult , Cesarean Section , Electrocardiography , Female , Humans , Hypertension, Pulmonary/diagnosis , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency/diagnostic imaging , Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency/physiopathologyABSTRACT
Objective To assess the application value of real time three-dimensional (RT-3D) ultrasonography in diagnosis of fetal corrected transposition of the great arties (cTGA). Methods Data of 14 fetuses diagnosed as cTGA clinically were reviewed. With 2D ultrasonography, diagnosis views were obtained and then studied using cardiac three-section analytic method. With real time 3D (RT-3D) ultrasonography, volume datasets were acquired at the level of four chamber view, and spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) was then used to analyze the relationship of the two great arties. Confirmed by infant echocardiography and the autopsy findings, the accuracy of RT-3D and 2D ultrasonography in evaluation of fetal cTGA and complications were compared. Results The accuracy rate of RT-3D and 2D ultrasonography in diagnosis of fetal cTGA was 92.86% and 71.43% (χ~2=2.19, P=0.14). The procedure time of RT-3D ultrasonography was significantly shorter than that of 2D ultrasonography (t=10.23, P<0.001). Conclusion RT-3D ultrasonography can evaluate fetal cTGA and its complications more quickly and exactly than conventional 2D ultrasonography.
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Pulmonary hypoplasia (PH) may lead to severe respiratory distress immediately after birth,even neonatal death. The etiological factors, clinical, ultrasonic and pathologic characteristics of PH and the proposed methods for the prenatal diagnosis were reviewed in this article.
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Objective To discuss the method and skill of prenatal diagnosis of fetal isolated pulmonary stenosis and thus to improve prenatal diagnostic ability. Methods The data of 18 fetuses diagnosed as isolated pulmonary stenois were reviewed and the ultrasonic characters of each section were analysised. Results Five of the 18 cases were confirmed as pulmonary stenosis by autopsy and 12 cases were confirmed by echocardiography after birth. One case was confirmed as pulmonary atresia by echocardiography after birth. Reversed blood flow in arterial duct was detected at the ductal arch section in all the cases and right atrial enlargement,right ventricular myocardial hypertrophy, tricuspid regurgitation, foramen ovale enlargement, reduced activity of foramen ovale valve were detected in partial cases. Conclusions It is important that reversed blood flow in arterial duct and in the two main artery could be observed at the ductal arch section and the three vessel section respectively. Ductal arch section,ventricular outflow tracts section and the three vessel section are very important in the diagnosis of fetal isolated pulmonary stenosis.
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Objective To assess the application of automated four-dimensional (4D) volume color Doppler ultrasonography in normal fetal heart screening. Methods Four-dimensional volume color Doppler was acquired at the level of four chamber view level in 120 fetuses from 18 to 23 weeks of gestation. Three diagnostic planes including color Doppler information were retrieved by automated multiplanar imaging from the 4D volumes. The left ventricular outflow view (cardiac plane 1), the right ventricular outflow view (cardiac plane 2) and ductal arch view (cardiac plane 3) were acquired. Tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI) was added to display all the three diagnostic planes. The data were then analyzed to determine whether cardiac planes 1-3 were displayed correctly in each volume. Results Automated 4D volume color Doppler ultrasonography displaying rate of cardiac plane 1, cardiac plane 2, cardiac plane 3 were 100%, 96.67% and 91.67%, respectively. Cardiac plane 1 was displayed at least three TUI plane, cardiac plane 2 was displayed at least two TUI plane, and cardiac plane 3 was displayed at least two TUI plane. Conclusion It is possible to acquire important planes of the fetal heart with automated 4D volume color Doppler ultrasonography and the visualization rate of the three diagnostic planes is fine.
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Objective To observe the feasibility and value of ultrasound in diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in infant. Methods A total of 84 hips of 42 infants aged 6 to 36 months who were suspected of DDH were included in this study. All patients were examined by ultrasonography with the Graf's method, and were scaned by three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT). The results of ultrasounogrphy were compared with that of 3D CT, and the availability of ultrasound in diagnosing DDH in infant was evaluated. Results Twenty-eight normal hips, 12 dysplasia hips, 15 subdislocation hips and 29 dislocation hips were diagnosed in the 84 hips. The accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosis of DDH was 97.62%. Conclusion High-frequency ultrasound scan is a valuable method in diagnosing the DDH in infants, and can be used as a routine diagnostic method.
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Objective To evaluate the development of fetal cerebellar vermis using 3D transabdominal ultrasound,and provide evidence for prenatal screening fetal cerebellar vermis anomalies.Methods Totally 387 normal fetuses at 20~36 gestation weeks were examined by three-dimensional extended imaging(3DXI) to observe the fetal cerebellar vermis.The width,anteroposterior diameter,craniocaudal diameter of the cerebellar vermis,the angle between brain stem and vermis,a ratio between the area of anterior vermis and posterior vermis were measured,and the relationship between the gestational age and parameters mentioned above were analyzed.Results The multi slice view of 3DXI and 3D reconstructed sagittal section well evaluated the integrity of vermis morphous and vermis size,identified characteristic signs of vermis:the fourth ventricle apex and vermis crack.In normal fetus,brain stem and vermis were almost parallel,the angle between them was 3.97°±1.65°.There was no significant correlation between the angle and the gestational age.The area of the anterior vermis was smaller than that of posterior vermis,with a ratio of 0.76±0.06,which was also not related to gestational age.The width,anteroposte rior diameter and craniocaudal diameter of the cerebellar vermis were positively correlated with gestational age.Conclusions The multi slice view of 3DXI and 3D reconstructed sagittal section should help evaluate the development of the cerebellar vermis,accurately show the cerebellar vermis and its surrounding strutures,and provide a new way to evaluate the fetal cerebellar vermis.
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Objective To study the correlation between the fetal liver volume and gestational age by three-dimensional ultrasound,and to evaluate its clinical significance.Methods Fetal liver volume from 173 normal fetuses,ranging between 22~39 weeks old,was individually measured by three dimensional ultrasound.Results ① The reproducibility of fetal liver volume measurement by three-dimensional ultrasound was well.② The relationship between fetal liver volume and gestational age was linear(r= 0.93,P
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Objective To assess the clinical value of three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) in normal vascular structures and vascular diseases. Methods Thirty-nine 3DUS images were reconstructed,including 17 normal vascular structures and 22 vascular diseases. 3DUS reconstruction was introduced by the maximum intensity projection (MIP) method. A series of 3DUS image was performed using GE Logiq 500 and Logiq 700. Results In all cases, 3DUS images were constructed within 10-30 seconds after free hand scanning. Internal, external and common carotid arteries were also showed in the same rotating 3DUS display simultaneously. The continuity of the transplanted hepatic portal vein were demonstrated clearly in rotating mode 3DUS display and consistent with angiography or computer tomography findings. In cases of various vascular diseases, the degree and location of stenosis or aneurysm of the vessels could be stereoscopically visualized, easy to understand especially for a surgeon who evaluates a preoperative state. Conclusions The 3DUS can display normal or abnormal vascular anatomy clearly. 3DUS image could supply more information than original two-dimensional image, and is useful in the diagnosis of various vascular diseases.