A Novel Algorithm for Comprehensive Fetal Echocardiography Using 4-Dimensional Ultrasonography and Tomographic Imaging

• Published in: Journal of ultrasound in medicine 2006-08, Vol.25 (8), p.947-956
• Main Authors: Espinoza, Jimmy, Kusanovic, Juan Pedro, Goncalves, Luis F, Nien, Jyh Kae, Hassan, Sonia, Lee, Wesley, Romero, Roberto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3‐dimensional; 4‐dimensional; algorithm; Algorithms; congenital heart disease; Echocardiography, Four-Dimensional; Female; fetal echocardiography; Heart Defects, Congenital - diagnostic imaging; Humans; Image Enhancement - methods; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Pregnancy; prenatal diagnosis; Retrospective Studies; spatiotemporal; spatiotemporal image correlation; Tomography - methods; Ultrasonography, Prenatal - methods
• ISSN: 0278-4297; 1550-9613
• DOI: 10.7863/jum.2006.25.8.947

Objective. Tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI) is a new display modality that allows simultaneous visualization of up to 8 parallel anatomic planes. This study was designed to determine the role of a novel algorithm combining spatiotemporal image correlation and TUI to visualize standard fetal echocardiographic planes. Methods. Volume data sets from fetuses with and without congenital heart defects (CHDs) were examined with a novel algorithm that allows simultaneous visualization of the 3‐vessel and trachea view, the 4‐chamber view, and outflow tracts. Visualization rates for these planes as well as the ductal arch and 5‐chamber view were calculated. Results. (1) Two hundred twenty‐seven volume data sets from fetuses without (n = 138) and with (n = 14) CHDs were reviewed; (2) among fetuses without CHDs, the 4‐chamber view, 5‐chamber view, ductal arch, 3‐vessel and trachea view, left outflow tract, and short axis of the aorta were visualized in 99% (193/195), 96.9% (189/195), 98.5% (192/195), 88.2% (172/195), 93.3% (182/195), and 87.2% (170/195) of the volume data sets, respectively; (3) these views were visualized in 85% (17/20), 80% (16/20), 65% (13/20), 55% (11/20), 55% (11/20), and 70% (14/20) of the volume data sets, respectively, from fetuses with CHDs; and (4) simultaneous visualization of the short axis of the aorta, 3‐vessel and trachea view, left outflow tract, and 4‐chamber view was obtained in 78% (152/195) of the volume data sets from fetuses without CHDs and in 40% (8/20) of those with CHDs. Conclusions. The 3‐vessel and trachea view, the 4‐chamber view, and both outflow tracts can be simultaneously visualized using a novel algorithm combining spatiotemporal image correlation and TUI.