OC094: Outcome of trichorionic triplet pregnancies at 10-14 weeks after embryo reduction compared to expectant management

Abstract

Introduction: 3D ultrasound technology offers the ability to demonstrate the fetal face in three different display modes: the multiplanar, the surface and the transparent mode. Material and Methods: In 2012 cases the fetal face was assessed with 2D and 3D ultrasound as part of a level III screening evaluation for fetal anomalies. The ultrasound equipment used was a Voluson 530 MT or a Voluson 730 from GE-Kretztechnik, Austria. In every fetus a volume of the face was acquired and stored on a rewritable magneto optical disk (540 MB). Results: The simultaneous display of all three orthogonal sectional planes enables us to define the true facial profile and to review the fetal face in a systematic tomographic survey. The surface view allows a clear demonstration of surface anomalies such as facial dysplasia, cyclopia with proboscis, cleft lip and palate or retrognathia. The translucency mode provides a complete survey of the fetal skull and the facial bones, similar to the appearance of an X-ray film. With the latest 4D ultrasound technology of Voluson 730 the fetus can be visualized three-dimensionally in real time. This gives the examiner a direct access to facial movements such as grimacing, yawning or swallowing. In 67 of the 2012 fetuses facial anomalies were detected. Comparing 2D and 3D ultrasound results, 3D ultrasound provided superior image quality and revealed the anomalies more conclusively in 73% of the fetuses. Summary: 3D ultrasound does not only enable a precise demonstration of subtle malformations of the fetal face, but can also provide more convincing evidence of a normal fetal face than 2D sonograms. OC094 Outcome of trichorionic triplet pregnancies at 10-14 weeks after embryo reduction compared to expectant management