Three-dimensional ultrasound in fetal medicine: A decade-long study

Although two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound is still the main sonographic tool used in fetal medicine, 2D images can be very difficult to interpret under certain conditions or when a fetal anomaly is very complex. Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound allow for the automatic construction of 3D images, whereas 2D ultrasound still requires comprehension and reconstruction of the 3D image in the operator's brain. With 3D ultrasound, specific diagnostic planes can be acquired easily and the structure(s) of interest can be viewed thoroughly in spatial vision. Thus, 3D ultrasound enhances the visualization of fetal anomalies and defines their extent or severity. Furthermore, fetal organ volume assessment is feasible with 3D ultrasound. Using 3D equations generated from fetal upper-arm and thigh volumes, the accuracy of fetal birth weight prediction is improved. In conclusion, the vigorous progress of 3D ultrasound in fetal medicine over the past decade has been remarkable and further advances in 3D ultrasound can be expected in the new century.