Three- and four-dimensional ultrasonography for the structural and functional evaluation of the fetal face

• Published in: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology Vol. 196; no. 1; pp. 16 - 28
• Main Authors: Kurjak, Asim, MD, PhD, Azumendi, Guillermo, MD, Andonotopo, Wiku, MD, PhD, Salihagic-Kadic, Aida, MD, PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia, PA Elsevier Inc 2007; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Face - abnormalities; Face - diagnostic imaging; Face - embryology; Facial Expression; Female; fetal behavior; fetal face; four-dimensional ultrasound; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Medical sciences; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Pregnancy; three-dimensional ultrasound; Ultrasonography, Prenatal - methods; fetal face; four-dimensional ultrasound; fetal behavior; three-dimensional ultrasound; Sonography; Andrology; Gynecology; Three-dimensional ultrasound; Obstetrics; Pregnancy; Fetus; Behavior; Face; Ultrasound
• ISSN: 0002-9378; 1097-6868
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2006.06.090

Ultrasonographic examination of the fetal face can provide information that may lead to the diagnosis of anomalies in other organs or systems. Thus, the fetal face represents a “diagnostic window” for fetal diseases and syndromes. Three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) improves the evaluation of anatomic fetal facial anomalies over what is possible by 2-dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS). Four-dimensional ultrasonography (4DUS), by adding the temporal component to the examination, allows visualization of facial expressions that might be useful in the study of fetal behavior and maternal-fetal bonding. In this article, we evaluate the potential of 3D/4DUS for the study of structural and functional development of the fetal face.