Assessment of embryonic growth using 3D ultrasound and virtual reality in a population based prospective cohort study.

摘要

Current knowledge on embryonic growth and development in the general population is derived from previous studies assessing fetal growth using conventional ultrasound, or in vivo studies on developmental stages of the embryo after miscarriage. Also, although strong evidence suggesting differences in first trimester growth exists, pregnancy dating using one crown-rump length measurement at 12 weeks of gestation is still routine care. This approach assumes no variation in first trimester growth. However, recent studies suggest that impaired growth at 12 weeks of gestation is associated with adverse health outcomes, for example adverse cardiovascular risk profiles in school age children. These findings suggest embryonic and fetal growth and development in the weeks after conception play a critical role in a human life, and could be an important predictor for health in later life. Modern methods to assess embryonic and fetal growth before 12 weeks include transvaginal 3D ultrasound and analysis using Virtual Reality, facilitating precise estimation of crown-rump length and estimation of more advanced parameters, such as embryonic volumes, brain development and assessment of Carnegie stages. Currently, such data is available in a hospital based population; data on embryonic and early fetal growth and development measured using 3D ultrasound in a large healthy population is lacking. We will discuss approaches for assessing embryonic growth in a large population-based prospective cohort study. We invite women in the first weeks after conception. Serial ultrasound volumes at 7, 9, and 11 weeks will be acquired and embryonic growth and development will be measured offline, using V-scope software in a BARCO I-Space or desktop Virtual Reality system.