Craniofacial dysmorphology and three-dimensional ultrasound: a prospective study on practicability for prenatal diagnosis.

摘要

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasound for the visualization and diagnosis of craniofacial dysmorphism. METHODS: In this prospective study, we performed three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound following good-quality two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound in an at-risk population. Findings from 2D and 3D examination were noted. RESULTS: Our series included 41 patients. In 20 cases, 3D performed better than 2D, and in two cases 2D was more informative. In 9 cases, there was no difference between the performance of the two, and in two cases both 2D and 3D gave inadequate results. However, in 7 cases 3D images could not be obtained. CONCLUSION: Although it is rarely decisive, 3D ultrasound is of interest when it comes to the precise description of craniofacial dysmorphisms and the study of the fetal ears.