Fetal dental panorama on three-dimensional ultrasound imaging of cleft lip and palate and other facial anomalies

ObjectivesCraniofacial deformities have a high psychosocial impact. The aim of this paper is to improve obstetric ultrasonography and prenatal detection of facial anomalies by providing a new fetal dental panorama.Material and methodsThe present study describes a new modality to visualize the fetal tooth germs and an easy step-by-step diagnostic approach. Image acquisition was performed between 23 and 32weeks of gestation using a Voluson E10 GE ultrasound machine with an RM6C transducer (GE Medical Systems, Zipf, Austria). Reconstruction was performed using Omniview from the axial image. Volume contrast imaging (VCI) was used with a thickness of 20mm, and a render mode that combined Rx mode and surface texture.ResultsThe resulting imaging allows a more precise visualization of the fetal dental arch and can be obtained between 14 and 28weeks of gestation. The presence of dental anomalies can be a clue for the diagnosis of various congenital defects, in particular conditions with a shortage of other physical abnormalities, such as ectodermal dysplasia and Binder syndrome.ConclusionsThe creation of a precise fetal dental panorama allows an improved detection of facial deformities.Clinical relevanceWith the current paper, we want to increase prenatal diagnostics facial anomalies, and help to establish a tailored multidisciplinary treatment plan. This paper should be of interest to readers who are currently treating patients with craniofacial malformations and readers who are performing diagnostic prenatal sonography.