Volume scanning in the evaluation of fetal malformations: a new dimension in prenatal diagnosis

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Abstract
Three‐dimensional ultrasound examination was performed in 204 patients with a fetal malformation detected by conventional ultrasound. The patients were examined between 13 and 40 weeks of gestation. The ultrasound equipment used was a Combison 330 and a Combison 530 (Kretztechnik, Austria) with an abdominal Voluson sector transducer (3.5/5 MHz) (Kretztechnik, Austria). This ultrasound system can provide a high‐quality three‐dimensional surface or translucency image of fetal structures similar to that of a photograph or an X‐ray image within seconds without an additional expensive work‐station. Of the 204 patients examined with three‐dimensional ultrasound, this technique proved advantageous in demonstrating fetal defects in 62% (127/204). In 36% (73/204), the three‐dimensional technique gave the same information and in four fetuses with a cardiac malformation (2%), the three‐dimensional technique was disadvantageous, due to movement artefacts during data acquisition. The technical advantages and problems of this three‐dimensional technique are demonstrated. Copyright © 1995 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology

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