An In‐depth Perspective of Aortic Arch Branching in Fetal Vascular Rings Using Spatiotemporal Image Correlation Combined With High‐definition Flow Imaging: Report of 4 Cases

Abstract

On the basis of 2‐dimensional fetal echocardiographic findings, we investigated 4 different fetal vascular ring cases using spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) combined with high‐definition (HD) flow imaging. An in‐depth 3‐dimensional perspective of aortic arch branching (ie, the brachiocephalic arteries) was created by application of glass body and HDlive flow rendering algorithms (GE Healthcare, Zipf, Austria). Additionally, complete (U‐ or O‐shaped) or incomplete (C‐shaped) vascular rings were clearly differentiated in utero, and articulations around the trachea and esophagus were more easily imaged. In conclusion, spatiotemporal image correlation combined with HD flow imaging could classify fetal vascular rings with accuracy and facilitate decision making during postnatal management.

Prenatal diagnosis of complete vascular ring using high‐definition flow render mode and spatiotemporal image correlation

“…7 Fetal CVRs can be assessed by 4D HD flow render mode and STIC. 8 Once CVR is diagnosed, a comprehensive ultrasound examination, including fetal echocardiography, is recommended to discover potential structural malformations. 9,10 Based on the CVR type, prenatal counseling on chromosome examination and postnatal airway assessment are recommended.…”

Prenatal Diagnosis of Complete Vascular Ring Using HD-flow Render Mode and Spatiotemporal Image Correlation(STIC)

“…The three-vessel and tracheal(3VT) view are the 'gold standard' to observe arch anomalies 7 . Fetal CVRs can be assessed by a four-dimensional (4D) spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) technique with high-definition(HD) flow imaging 8 . Once an aortic arch anomaly is diagnosed, a comprehensive ultrasound examination, including fetal echocardiography is recommended to finding potential structural malformation 9,10 .…”

Right aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery: sonographic features by HDlive Flow imaging

“…The right aortic arch is a congenital vascular anomaly, which may form a vascular ring that causes respiratory failure after birth. [1][2][3][4] However, prenatal identification of the branching pattern of brachiocephalic vessels as shown by conventional two-dimensional echocardiography is often limited. Here, we clearly demonstrated the vascular arrangement in a fetus with right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery using HDlive Flow imaging.…”

“…Among them, right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery and double aortic arch may form a vascular ring that causes respiratory failure. [1][2][3][4] Therefore, a prenatal diagnosis of this vascular arrangement could contribute to optimal care after birth. However, prenatal identification of the branching pattern of brachiocephalic vessels is often limited by acoustic windows and sonographer experience.…”

“…2 Recently, several clinical advantages of three-/ four-dimensional ultrasound imaging to diagnose fetal aortic arch anomalies have been reported. [3][4][5] Regarding HDlive Flow imaging, once the volume data are acquired, we could manipulate the data to recreate views that enable identification of the vascular arrangement later. In the present case, all brachiocephalic vessels (i.e.…”