Intraoperator and interoperator repeatability of manual and semi‐automated measurement of increased fetal nuchal translucency according to the operator's experience

Abstract

The automated NT measurement leads to a further standardization of the NT assessment process. Especially inexperienced operators may benefit from this tool.

A Prospective Study To Assess The Clinical Impact of Interobserver Reliability of Sonographic Fetal Nuchal Translucency and Crown-Rump Length on Combined First-Trimester Screening

“…Interobserver variability in fetal NT and CRL measurements is the most important issue affecting the screening performance. This issue of repeatability has been addressed by several studies [8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]. Although most of the previous studies on this issue have focused on repeatability of NT measurements, few studies have addressed the issue of reproducibility of CRL.…”

“…Both processes are prone to inter-operator variations, but fetal NT measurements are more prone to these operator dependent variations. This issue has been addressed by several studies investigating the repeatability of NT measurements [8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]. The majority of previous studies on this issue have focused on reproducibility of the NT measurements but comprehensive studies investigating the repeatability of the CRL measurements are limited.…”

“…Despite the importance of CRL and NT measurements in prenatal screening, and dating the pregnancy, few studies have been published, so far [8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]. However, there is no comprehensive study specific to the possible impact of interobserver variability of CRL and NT measurements on screening.…”

Comparison and Reproducibility of Nuchal Translucency Measurements Using Two-Dimensional and Volume Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound: A Prospective Study

“…Such standardization might reduce the scatter in NT measurements and therefore the number of screen-positive results, enhancing the efficacy of first-trimester screening [5]. Several methods have already been discussed in the literature using 2D and 3D techniques: SAAM (semiautomated adjusted measurement), SonoNT©, Volume NT and other systems [8,9,10,11]. Grangé et al [10] used the SAAM technique, where an adjustable box was placed upon the region of interest for NT measurement and wherein the maximal diameter was measured.…”

“…Less experienced sonographers benefit the most from this standardization [8,9,10,11]. The acquisition of the exact midsagittal plain, however, is unaffected by these semiautomated techniques and, hence, remain an important operator bias.…”