Fetal volumetry: validation of the method using 3-dimensional ultrasound of heart, brain and liver

Introduction: Three- and 4-dimensional ultrasound have opened new aspects of fetal examination. Aim of the presented study was the validation of the method. Methods: One hundred and four fetuses between 14 and 38 weeks of gestation were prospectively studied. In 39 fetuses a structural cardiac defect was diagnosed, in 65 fetuses it was excluded. Sonographic examination was performed with a Voluson 730 Expert machine GE, Germany. Three- and 4D data sets were acquired of heart, brain and abdomen and were analysed offline. The 4D-view-software (GE, Germany) was used for calculation of the following parameters: epi-…