Fetal lung volumetry by three‐dimensional ultrasound

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish a method for determination of fetal lung volume by three-dimensional ultrasound. The thoraces of a total of 113 fetuses (singleton pregnancies, 11-41 weeks of gestation without any signs of malformation or oligohydramnios) were examined by three-dimensional ultrasound. Volumetric evaluation of each lung was performed in each of three perpendicular planes (six measurements in total). There were significant differences in all three measurements between the left and right lungs. Especially in the second and third trimesters, measurement of the frontal and the sagittal planes was sometimes prevented by poor imaging conditions. The scan volume was always too small for fetuses above 34 weeks. With these problems considered, nomograms of fetal lung volume for the left and the right lung were calculated. Lung volumes in the present study showed good correlation with published autopsy findings. Three-dimensional ultrasonographic volumetry is a useful method for determining fetal lung volume and may have a role to play in the detection of pulmonary hypoplasia.

Fetal Ventricular Mass Determination on Three-Dimensional Echocardiography

“…24 Quantitative 3D echocardiography has been applied for ventricular volume and functions in children and adults [25][26][27][28][29] ; fewer studies have been done in fetal life. 8,24 In addition, 3D quantifications of other fetal organs (eg, lungs, 30 liver, 31 kidneys, 32 cerebellum 33 ) have been done. We believe that this is the first study of 3D myocardial mass assessments that spans gestational age from 15 to 37 weeks, along with detailed validation protocols.…”

Prenatal sonographic chest and lung measurements for predicting severe pulmonary hypoplasia

“…Since the introduction of three-dimensional ultrasound into clinical practice (Merz et al, 1995a,b;Nelson and Pretorius, 1992) a small number of preliminary studies have been published on fetal lung volumetry (Lee et al, 1996;D'Arcy et al, 1996;Pö hls and Rempen, 1998;Laudy et al, 1998). Lung volumetry may improve early detection of pulmonary hypoplasia.…”

Three-dimensional Sonography in the Assessment of Normal Fetal Anatomy in Late Pregnancy

“…60,61 The feasibility of calculating the volumes of the following structures and/or organs has been reported: fetal lungs and fetal heart from second trimester to full term, placental volume, fetal arms, thighs, and renal and cerebellar volume for estimation of the fetal weight. [62][63][64] Of special interest are measurements of the fetal lung volumes in order to confirm or exclude fetal lung hypoplasia or immaturity. 65 Three-dimensional US enables more sophisticated volume measurements of the irregularly shaped organs.…”