3D real-time imaging of the fetal heart

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of a novel 3D scanner system for real-time 3D fetal echocardiography. Method: In a prospective study, 13 single, healthy 20- to 24-week-old fetuses were examined with conventional 2D and real-time 3D echocardiography. The visualization rates and imaging quality of standard cardiac views were compared between both methods. Results: The visualization rates of standard cardiac planes were found to be slightly increased and more easily obtainable in 3D imaging whereas the image quality showed better results with conventional 2D echocardiography. Conclusion: Our data show that real-time 3D fetal echocardiography can be considered a useful tool in the evaluation of the fetal heart with the necessity for further refinement of the resolution quality. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.