Standardization of on-screen fetal heart orientation prior to storage of spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) volume datasets.

摘要

Spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC), which allows offline analysis of dynamic volume datasets of the fetal heart, was introduced into clinical practice in 20031. Since then, its clinical role has been validated both in diagnostic and in screening settings. Volume datasets can be opened and processed in various ways in order to obtain the desired display of cardiovascular structures using different tendering modes (e.g. glass body, surface, inversion). However, there are a number of factors that underscore the need for standardization of storage and offline analysis of cardiac volume datasets. Spatial orientation may be difficult to determine while navigating offline. In particular, identification of left and right: may be confusing after several rotations and changes of plane. In addition, the procedure needed to produce the final output, in terms of mode selection, rendering filter blend and image quality adjustment, involves numerous steps for which there are invariably several options. Hence, these steps are time-consuming and cumbersome for experts and also challenging for non-experts, who may have difficulties in identifying fetal orientation without the usual clues that realtime ultrasound provides.