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Carrasco D, Guedes-Martins L. Cardiac Axis in Early Gestation and Congenital Heart Disease. Curr Cardiol Rev 2024; 20:CCR-EPUB-137797. [PMID: 38279755 PMCID: PMC11071675 DOI: 10.2174/011573403x264660231210162041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart defects represent the most common structural anomalies observed in the fetal population, and they are often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The fetal cardiac axis, which indicates the orientation of the heart in relation to the chest wall, is formed by the angle between the anteroposterior axis of the chest and the interventricular septum of the heart. Studies conducted during the first trimester have demonstrated promising outcomes with respect to the applicability of cardiac axis measurement in fetuses with congenital heart defects as well as fetuses with extracardiac and chromosomal anomalies, which may result in improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. The main aim of this review article was to highlight the cardiac axis as a reliable and powerful marker for the detection of congenital heart defects during early gestation, including defects that would otherwise remain undetectable through the conventional four-chamber view.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Carrasco
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Centro de Medicina Fetal, Medicina Fetal Porto, Serviço de Obstetrícia - Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Porto 4099-001, Portugal
| | - L. Guedes-Martins
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Centro de Medicina Fetal, Medicina Fetal Porto, Serviço de Obstetrícia - Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Porto 4099-001, Portugal
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto EPE, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Largo Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
- Unidade de Investigação e Formação-Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200-319, Portugal
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Kubo S, Horinouchi T, Kinoshita M, Yoshizato T, Kozuma Y, Shinagawa T, Ushijima K. Visual diagnosis in utero: Prenatal diagnosis of Treacher-Collins syndrome using a 3D/4D ultrasonography. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 58:566-569. [PMID: 31307753 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2019.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We present a case with prenatal diagnosis of Treacher-Collins syndrome in which micrognathia and other facial and ear abnormalities were described using a three- and four-dimensional (3D/4D) ultrasonography in utero. CASE REPORT A 39-year-old Japanese pregnant woman was referred because of polyhydramnios at 29 weeks' gestation. Conventional ultrasonography showed a hypoplastic mandible on the sagittal section of fetal head. Continuous observation using a 3D ultrasonography additionally demonstrated bilateral downslanting palpebral fissures with symmetry and macrostomia as well as micrognathia. Both ears were microtia and no polydactyly or missing fingers were found. CONCLUSION The advantage of the rendering mode of 3D images covering entire face including ears and limbs was enhanced by a continuous observation, so called 4D ultrasonography, under a condition of polyhydramnios, providing visual diagnosis in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayo Kubo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Japan
| | - Takashi Horinouchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Japan
| | | | - Toshiyuki Yoshizato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Japan.
| | - Yutaka Kozuma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Japan
| | - Takaaki Shinagawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Japan
| | - Kimio Ushijima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Japan
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Kurian J, Sotardi S, Liszewski MC, Gomes WA, Hoffman T, Taragin BH. Three-dimensional ultrasound of the neonatal brain: technical approach and spectrum of disease. Pediatr Radiol 2017; 47:613-627. [PMID: 28058483 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-016-3753-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Brain pathology is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates, especially in the premature population. While conventional two-dimensional neurosonography is traditionally used for screening, diagnosis and monitoring of brain disorders such as germinal matrix hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia and hydrocephalus, three-dimensional ultrasonography has gained popularity in a variety of clinical applications in recent years. Three-dimensional ultrasonography is not yet widely utilized in pediatric imaging but is a potentially powerful tool for evaluating the neonatal brain. Three-dimensional neurosonography allows imaging of the entire brain in a single volumetric sweep and offers the capability of reconstructing images in the axial plane and performing volumetric analyses that are unavailable in conventional two-dimensional neurosonography. The purpose of this article is two-fold: (1) to present the technical aspects of three-dimensional neurosonography and (2) to illustrate the potential applications of three-dimensional neurosonography in the context of commonly encountered neonatal neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Kurian
- Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 East 210th St., Bronx, NY, 10467, USA.
| | - Susan Sotardi
- Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 East 210th St., Bronx, NY, 10467, USA
| | - Mark C Liszewski
- Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 East 210th St., Bronx, NY, 10467, USA
| | - William A Gomes
- Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 East 210th St., Bronx, NY, 10467, USA
| | - Thomas Hoffman
- Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 East 210th St., Bronx, NY, 10467, USA
| | - Benjamin H Taragin
- Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 East 210th St., Bronx, NY, 10467, USA
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Gonçalves LF. Three-dimensional ultrasound of the fetus: how does it help? Pediatr Radiol 2016; 46:177-89. [PMID: 26829949 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-015-3441-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 05/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional ultrasonography (3-D US) was introduced to the field of fetal imaging in the early 1990s. Since then several publications have described potential applications for the diagnosis of congenital malformations as well as organ volumetry. This article reviews basic principles of 3-D US as well as its clinical applicability to prenatal diagnosis of abnormalities involving the face, spine and skeletal system, as well as potential applications of 3-D US for fetal cardiovascular and neuroimaging. Limitations related to motion artifacts, acoustic shadowing and barriers to clinical implementation of 3-D US in clinical practice are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis F Gonçalves
- Department of Radiology and Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Beaumont Health System,, Divisions of Pediatric Radiology and Fetal Imaging,, 360 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI, 48073, USA.
- Department of Radiology and Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA.
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Florido J, Ocón O, Luna del Castillo JDD, Vega-Cañadas J, Manrique-Espinoza N, Navarrete L. Analysis of measurement process of placental volume in early pregnancy: an interobserver reliability study. J Perinat Med 2014; 42:559-64. [PMID: 24515996 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2013-0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine concordance among results obtained in measurement process of first-trimester placental volume using 3D ultrasound and eXtended Imaging Virtual Organ Computed-aided AnaLysis (XI-VOCAL®, 3DXITM, Medison, Seoul, Korea) image analysis by three different operators. METHODS Twenty first-trimester normal pregnancy cases were selected for placental volume measuring using a Medison SA 8000 Live Prime® (Medison, Seoul, Korea) with a convex volumetric multifrequency abdominal probe. Images were processed and studied independently by three operators with different grade of training. Each operator obtained 50 slices per case. Thus, this study is based on 1000 measurements that have generated four different sets of placental volume determinations based on 5, 10, 15, and 20 slices, respectively. Results of measurement process were analyzed using reliability coefficients. RESULTS There was a good degree of concordance in the placental length values obtained by all operators and not depend from the number of cuts measured [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.734]. However, the number of cuts is important to obtain a placental volume with more accuracy. Reliability coefficients were low when determining placental volume adjusted to placental length (ICC=0.293), but combined results of the two operators that were trained in the same way showed higher coefficients of reliability (ICC=0.682), and therefore, greater concordance when comparing with the operator that was not trained in the same way. CONCLUSION Higher coefficients of reliability guarantee high grades of concordance in the results among operators when measuring placental volumes independently, however, contouring process introduces high variability. Training in how to best use the image analysis software effectively assists in getting higher coefficients of reliability.
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You JH, Lv GR, Liu XL, He SZ. Reference ranges of fetal spleen biometric parameters and volume assessed by three-dimensional ultrasound and their applicability in spleen malformations. Prenat Diagn 2014; 34:1189-97. [PMID: 25042792 DOI: 10.1002/pd.4451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aims of this article are to establish three-dimensional ultrasonographic nomograms of normal fetal spleen size and to evaluate the clinical application value. METHODS An observational, cross-sectional study was performed on 455 women with a normal singleton pregnancy between 18 and 38 weeks' gestational age (GA). Fetal spleen volume was measured using three-dimensional ultrasound equipped with virtual organ computer-aided analysis, and biometric parameters were assessed in multiplanar mode to create reference ranges to GA. Thirty cases were randomly selected to conduct reliability analyses via intraobserver and interobserver ultrasonographic measurement. Moreover, 50 cases of suspected splenic malformations were evaluated by the newly established nomograms and followed up subsequently. RESULTS Using regression formulas, we found that fetal spleen size increased with GA. We observed strong reliability in intraobserver and interobserver volume measurements with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.994 and 0.962. Bland-Altman analyses showed narrow limits of agreement [intraobserver: (-3.2 to 3.5)%; interobserver: (-3.2 to 4.3)%]. Of the 50 cases with suspected splenic malformations, six cases of splenomegaly and one case of splenic cyst were diagnosed. CONCLUSION Three-dimensional ultrasound nomograms of normal fetal spleen size across a range of GA have a strong diagnostic value. Volume measurements with good reliability were optimal in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hong You
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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Liberty G, Boldes R, Shen O, Shaul C, Cohen SM, Yagel S. The fetal larynx and pharynx: structure and development on two- and three-dimensional ultrasound. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2013; 42:140-148. [PMID: 23239522 DOI: 10.1002/uog.12358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To present a systematic approach for evaluating the fetal pharynx and larynx based on two- and three-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US and 3D-US) modalities, describing the sonographic appearance and function of the fetal upper respiratory tract and measuring the anatomical components of the pharynx and larynx. METHODS Gravidae presenting from the late first trimester to mid-gestation for routine booked examinations with structurally normal singleton fetuses of confirmed gestational age were enrolled. Transabdominal 2D-US was performed for anatomical and functional evaluation of the pharynx and larynx. Color Doppler was used to show fluid motion in the target area. 3D-US (Voluson® E6 with RAB-4-8-D transducer) scans of the fetal neck were acquired during fetal quiescence and in the absence of movements of the pharynx and larynx. Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) in post-processing allowed adjustment of the volume to obtain the coronal plane. After a learning period to understand the sonographic anatomy of the target area, we measured the pharynx width and height, the upper, middle and lower larynx width and the larynx height. Render mode was applied for spatial evaluation of the target area. We developed a new methodological approach for structured evaluation of the fetal pharynx and larynx based on five spatial planes: posterior and anterior coronal planes and high, mid and low axial planes. RESULTS We examined 582 fetuses during the second trimester of pregnancy; target anatomy was imaged successfully in 218 patients at 11-24 gestational weeks. Acquisition added approximately 1 min to examination time. Rates of successful visualization and measurements increased significantly as pregnancy progressed, being 23% (46/194) at 11-13 weeks, 29% (69/240) at 14-16 weeks, 35% (18/51) at 17-19 weeks and 88% (85/97) at 20-24 weeks (P < 0.01). Pharynx components identified were: the sphenoid bone, pterygoid processes, constrictor muscles, piriform recesses and uvula. Larynx components identified were: the epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds, corniculate cartilages, arytenoid cartilages, cricoid cartilage, thyroid cartilage and vocal cords. MPR showed the biconcave shape of the uvula, which may explain the 'equals sign' observed on 2D-US. We observed the bilateral mode of movements of the constrictor muscles, aryepiglottic folds and vocal cords, and the bidirectional fluid jet flows through the larynx. Scatterplots of measured structures vs gestational age were created. Pharynx width ranged from 0.11 to 0.93 (mean ± SD, 0.48 ± 0.17) cm; pharynx height ranged from 0.23 to 2.01 (mean ± SD, 0.94 ± 0.34) cm; upper larynx width ranged from 0.04 to 0.37 (mean ± SD, 0.15 ± 0.07) cm; middle larynx width ranged from 0.08 to 0.77 (mean ± SD, 0.34 ± 0.16) cm; lower larynx width ranged from 0.05 to 0.64 (mean ± SD, 0.24 ± 0.11) cm; and larynx height ranged from 0.20 to 1.83 (mean ± SD, 0.71 ± 0.31) cm. All measurements were positively correlated with gestational age. CONCLUSIONS The fetal larynx and pharynx can be evaluated thoroughly using 2D- and 3D-US modalities. Knowledge of normal anatomy, function and biometry may prove useful in the evaluation of anatomical or functional pathology involving the fetal upper respiratory tract. Recognition of anatomical anomalies may enhance fetal intervention such as balloon placement in cases of diaphragmatic hernia.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Liberty
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel.
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Zhang Y, Fan M, Ren WD, Xie LM, Ding CW, Sun W, Wang Y, Guo YJ, Cai AL. Prenatal diagnosis of fetal unilateral lung agenesis complicated with cardiac malposition. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2013; 13:79. [PMID: 23530545 PMCID: PMC3617058 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-13-79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal unilateral lung agenesis, complicated with cardiac shifting, is a rare anomaly, the diagnosis of which remains a challenge for many sonographers in routine screening programs. The present study describes a systematic approach for the diagnosis of fetal unilateral lung agenesis and cardiac malpositions in routine prenatal screening. METHODS A total of 18 cases of fetal unilateral lung agenesis complicated with cardiac malposition were reviewed. A systematic method was proposed to identify the fetal left side and right side according to the fetal head position and posture by acquiring a long axis and transverse view of the fetus. Fetal unilateral lung agenesis was diagnosed by evaluation of the ipsilateral pulmonary artery. The diagnosis was confirmed by postnatal echocardiography, digital radiology, and computed tomography after birth or by autopsy findings. RESULTS The left-sided fetal heart with the cardiac apex rotating to the left and posterior were confirmed in all 7 left lung agenesis cases, while the rightward shifting of the fetal heart together with the cardiac axis deviating to the right were confirmed in all 11 cases of right lung agenesis. The disappearance of the ipsilateral pulmonary artery was confirmed in all 18 cases of unilateral lung agenesis. Cardiac anomalies were present in a total of 7 of the 18 cases of lung agenesis with 4 of 7 in cases of left lung agenesis and 3 of 11 in cases of right agenesis. CONCLUSIONS The systematic approach introduced in the current report is helpful in the diagnosis of fetal unilateral lung agenesis complicated with cardiac malposition. The information provided by this study may be helpful to better understand unilateral lung agenesis anatomically and to facilitate its potential examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Sonography, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No, 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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Sepulveda W, Wong AE, Sepulveda F, Martinez-Ten P, Ximenes R. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional ultrasound in clinical practice: General aspects. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2012; 26:575-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2012.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Magowan BA, Madhra M. Communication in early pregnancy ultrasound: avoiding misunderstandings. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2012; 73:447-50. [PMID: 22875522 DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2012.73.8.447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant women in the UK are usually offered at least two ultrasound scans during their pregnancy. While these almost certainly cause no physical harm to the baby, communicating the findings to the parents, whether there is a problem or not, carries real potential for confusion, worry and perhaps unnecessary intervention.
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Welsh A, Hou M, Meriki N, Stevenson G. Use of four-dimensional analysis of power Doppler perfusion indices to demonstrate cardiac cycle pulsatility in fetoplacental flow. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2012; 38:1345-1351. [PMID: 22698501 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2012.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Revised: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to quantify fetoplacental cardiac cycle variation in virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL) power Doppler (PD) indices by novel application of spatio-temporal imaging correlation (STIC). We recruited 25 healthy women (20-34 weeks gestation) with uncomplicated, viable singleton pregnancies with anterior placentae. Three four-dimensional (4-D) STIC PD datasets of the fetoplacental circulation were obtained above the placental cord insertion. The vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization-flow index (VFI) were calculated offline using a standardized spherical sonobiopsy technique for all frames of the cardiac cycle. Clear maximum (systole) and minimum (diastole) values with progressive fluctuation were seen in the majority of datasets (VI 66/75 [88%]; FI 58/75 [77%]; VFI 68/75 [91%]). Variation from mean was: VI ± 3.33% (0.34%-9.69%); VFI ± 3.46% (0.27%-10.02%); FI ± 0.74% (0.14%-1.60%). All indices were significantly higher in systole than diastole (p < 0.001). Mean systolic:diastolic ratios were: VI 1.07 (SD 0.06), FI 1.01 (SD 0.01) and VFI 1.07 (SD 0.06). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the frames ascribed to systole and diastole and to the mean value across the cardiac cycle of the indices (95% confidence interval [CI]) were: systole VI 0.91 (0.83-0.96), FI 0.85 (0.72-0.92), VFI 0.92 (0.85-0.96); diastole VI 0.91 (0.84-0.96), FI 0.84 (0.71-0.92), VFI 0.92 (0.86-0.96); mean VI 0.91 (0.84-0.96), FI 0.84 (0.72-0.92), VFI 0.92 (0.86-0.96). There is clear cardiac cycle variation in VOCAL indices of fetoplacental blood flow, establishing the need to control for phase of the cardiac cycle, and raising the possibility of future 4-D evaluation of vascular flow change or impedance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec Welsh
- Division of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
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Espinoza J, Lee W, Comstock C, Romero R, Yeo L, Rizzo G, Paladini D, Viñals F, Achiron R, Gindes L, Abuhamad A, Sinkovskaya E, Russell E, Yagel S. Collaborative study on 4-dimensional echocardiography for the diagnosis of fetal heart defects: the COFEHD study. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2010; 29:1573-80. [PMID: 20966468 DOI: 10.7863/jum.2010.29.11.1573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Congenital anomalies are the leading cause of infant mortality in the United States, and congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common type of birth defects. Recently, 4-dimensional ultrasonography (4DUS) with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) has been introduced for fetal echocardiography. Accumulating evidence indicates that 4DUS with STIC may facilitate the examination of the fetal heart. Our objectives were to determine the accuracy of 4DUS for the diagnosis of CHDs and the agreement among centers. METHODS This study included 7 centers with expertise in 4D fetal echocardiography. Fetuses with and without confirmed heart defects were scanned between 18 and 26 weeks, and their volume data sets were uploaded onto a centralized file transfer protocol server. Intercenter agreement was determined using a κ statistic for multiple raters. RESULTS Ninety volume data sets were randomly selected for blinded analysis. Overall, the median (range) sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and false-positive and -negative rates for the identification of fetuses with CHDs were 93% (77%-100%), 96% (84%-100%), 96% (83%-100%), 93% (79%-100%), 4.8% (2.7%-25%), and 6.8% (5%-22%), respectively. The most frequent CHDs were conotruncal anomalies (36%). There was excellent intercenter agreement (κ = 0.97). CONCLUSIONS (1) Four-dimensional volume data sets can be remotely acquired and accurately interpreted by different centers. (2) Among centers with technical expertise, 4DUS is an accurate and reliable method for fetal echocardiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Espinoza
- Division of Fetal Imaging, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, William Beaumont Hospital, 3601 W Thirteen Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073 USA.
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