Anomalies of the Fetal Face

Abstract

Visualization of the fetal face with three-and four-dimensional (3D/4D) ultrasound is a unique experience for both, the parents-to-be and the operator. While the future parents are primarily interested in seeing the surface of the fetal face and facial movements, the operator uses the different display modes for a precise fetal malformation check. The multiplanar mode with a simultaneous display of the three perpendicular planes allows an accurate demonstration of a normal or an abnormal fetal profile. Even if an image of the fetal face is acquired in an oblique position, the stored volume can be rotated by the rotational controls in all three directions, until the face is seen precisely in the median plane. The different surface modes enable the operator to detect abnormal protuberant structures or surface defects, while the transparent mode (maximum mode) reveals ossification defects. During a targeted ultrasound examination of the fetal face, five different regions have to be assessed: the forehead, orbits and eyes, nose, mouth, and chin. With 3D ultrasound the following fetal anomalies can be detected: anomalies including the forehead (anencephaly, protuberant forehead, abnormal metopic suture, frontal encephalocele/meningocele), anomalies of the orbits and the eyes (orbital hypoplasia/microphthalmia, hypertelorism, hypotelorism,cataract, nasolacrimal cyst/dacryocystocele,cyclopia/proboscis), abnormalities of the nose (flat nose, absent nasal bone), abnormalities of the mouth (cleft lip/cleft palate, epignathus, macroglossia, chin anomaly (retrognathia/micrognathia). 3D ultrasonography allows a comprehensive evaluation of the fetal face with different display modes. In contrast to 2D ultrasound, 3D ultrasound enables a detailed demonstration of the soft tissue of the fetal face and thus contributes to a better understanding of the malformation by both the physician and the future parents.

Normal Fetal Growth Profile at 10–41 Weeks of Gestation – An Update Based on 10225 Normal Singleton Pregnancies and Measurement of the Fetal Parameters Using 3D Ultrasound

“…3 ). HC was computed using the formula 20 21 . For AC the approximate elliptical formula AC = (ATD+ASD)/2 × 3.142 8 21 was used.…”

“…HC was computed using the formula 20 21 . For AC the approximate elliptical formula AC = (ATD+ASD)/2 × 3.142 8 21 was used. Finally, only cases in which all 12 biometric parameters (BPD, OFD, HC, ATD, ASD, AC, Fe, Ti, Fi, Hu, Ra, and Ul) were recorded were taken into account.…”