I-42: Advanced Ultrasonic Techniques in The Assessment of Early Human Development

Background: To evaluate the role of 3D, 4D and color Doppler ultrasound (US) in the assessment of early human development. Materials and Methods: 380 women with uncomplicated early pregnancy between 5 and 14 weeks were evaluated by 3D, 4D and color Doppler US. Results: Regression analysis revealed exponential rise of the gestational sac volume with gestational age throughout the first trimester. An exponential rise of the yolk sac volume was noticed between gestational week 5 and 8, followed by gradual increase of the yolk sac volume between 8 and 10 weeks. After reaching the plateau from 10 to 11 weeks, yolk sac volume started to decrease. 3D US was used to study nuchal translucency in 120 patients between 10 and 14 weeks of gestation. Multiplanar imaging allowed appropriate mid-sagittal section of the fetus and clear distinction of the nuchal region from the amniotic membrane in all the examined patients. This enabled us to obtain nuchal translucency measurements in 100% of cases. Rotation of the embryo and close scrutiny of the volume allowed systematic review of anatomic structures such as cord insertion, limb buds, cerebral cavities, stomach and bladder. Conclusions: 3D US is advantageous for studying normal embryonic and/or fetal development, as well as providing information for families at risk for specific congenital anomalies by confirming normality. 3D US imaging complements pathologic and histological evaluation of the developing embryo rising a new term: 3D sonoembryology. It is expected that interesting data on fetal behavior will be collected with introduction of 4D sonography