Transfrontal three‐dimensional visualization of midline cerebral structures

Abstract

Objective To compare sonographic visualization of midline cerebral structures obtained by two-dimensional (2D) imaging and three-dimensional (3D) multiplanar and volume contrast imaging in the coronal plane (VCI-C), with transfrontal 3D acquisition.Methods Sixty consecutive healthy fetuses in vertex presentation at a mean gestational age of 24 (range, 20-33)

Prenatal diagnosis and outcome of partial agenesis and hypoplasia of the corpus callosum

“…Thanks to volume sonography, starting from an axial section of the fetal head, which is usually easy to obtain, it is possible to achieve a median view of the brain and to visualize antenatally anomalies of the corpus callosum or other midline structures. Moreover, since 3D ultrasound has been implemented by the static volume contrast imaging (VCI) modality, the image quality of reconstructed planes such as the sagittal one has greatly improved 16,17 . On this basis prenatal assessment of the corpus callosum has become part of expert fetal scanning, evaluation involving not only its presence, but also its size and aspect.…”

Development of the Fetal Vermis: New Biometry Reference Data and Comparison of 3 Diagnostic Modalities-3D Ultrasound, 2D Ultrasound, and MR Imaging

“…This feature allows filter application such as static VCI to achieve improved tissue contrast and better visualization of anatomic landmarks. 11,21 The third advantage is the ability to depict posterior fossa anomalies during early gestational ages.…”

Three‐Dimensional Ultrasonography of the Fetal Vermis at 18 to 26 Weeks' Gestation

“…Measurements of the corpus callosum and cerebellar vermis were obtained by 3DUS, and the clearest and sharpest definition of midline structures was obtained with transfrontal acquisition. 24 Primary and secondary fissures of the cerebellar vermis could be detected in 13% to 26% of multiplanar, 18% to 35% of VCI in the C-plane, and 52% to 79% of transfrontal analyses.…”

“…21,22 Three-dimensional ultrasonography using VCI in the C-plane for measurement of the fetal cerebellar vermis at 18 to 33 weeks' gestation was described by Viñals et al 23,24 Tomographic ultrasound imaging was also used to obtain the midsagittal plane. Measurements of the corpus callosum and cerebellar vermis were obtained by 3DUS, and the clearest and sharpest definition of midline structures was obtained with transfrontal acquisition.…”

“…24 First, the transfrontal view is sometimes difficult to achieve, requiring a transvaginal approach especially when the fetus is in a vertex position. Second, whereas this study showed overall visualization of the primary fissure, the investigators did not show the time of its appearance or rate of visualization by gestational week.…”