Improving the efficiency of gynecologic sonography with 3-dimensional volumes: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether 3-dimensional (3D) sonography can provide a rapid, efficient, and accurate way to do a transvaginal gynecologic scan compared with traditional 2-dimensional (2D) sonography. METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive patients who underwent gynecologic sonography formed the study cohort. After a standard 2D transvaginal scan was done, including measurements of the endometrium and abnormalities, 4 volume acquisitions were obtained, encompassing the uterus (2 volumes) and the ovaries. These volumes were reviewed offline without any patient information. Endometrium and other measurements were performed on the volumes. The 2D and 3D results were compared by paired t tests. RESULTS: The mean time needed for the standard 2D scan was 2.6 minutes compared with 1.07 minutes for the 3D volume acquisitions. The mean time for the reconstruction, measurement, and interpretation of the volumes offline was 1.19 minutes. The mean time for the entire 3D examination (both parts) was 2.26 minutes (P = .047, comparing 2D with total 3D). There was no significant difference between the measurements of the endometrium, fibroids, and ovarian cysts when comparing 2D and reconstructed 3D images. Two-dimensional and 3D sonography differed little in their ability to identify the organs and the abnormalities on the scans. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that a complete transvaginal gynecologic examination can be done in 1.07 minutes of scan time and interpreted offline in an additional 1.19 minutes. The 35 cases were scanned and interpreted with the use of 3D sonography in 79.17 minutes total compared with 91.46 minutes of 2D scan time (P = .047). The accuracy of the scan was similar for both techniques.     

Abnormal placenta implantation. Integration between first- and third-trimester imaging in predicting the severity of Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) disorders

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders are pathological conditions correlated to a high risk of adverse maternal surgical outcomes, especially if not diagnosed. In the last 10 years, the literature interest for prenatal diagnosis of PAS disorders has been noticeably greater. More recently, significant progression in prenatal imaging techniques permitted an increase of early identified cases and a more accurate diagnosis of these anomalies, especially in women with multiple risk factors. The aim of this chapter is to give an overhaul on prenatal diagnosis of PAS disorders throughout gestation and to report whether integration between first- and third-trimester ultrasound can predict the development and severity of these anomalies.     

A nomogram of fetal lung volumes estimated by 3-dimensional ultrasonography using the rotational technique (virtual organ computer-aided analysis).

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to build a nomogram of normal fetal lung volumes throughout gestational age estimated by 3-dimensional ultrasonography using the rotational technique (Virtual Organ Computer-Aided Analysis [VOCAL]; GE Healthcare, Kretztechnik, Zipf, Austria). METHODS: Fetal lung volume was assessed in 146 healthy fetuses by 3-dimensional ultrasonography using the technique of rotation of the multiplanar imaging (VOCAL). Inclusion criteria were healthy women with singleton normal pregnancies, normal fetal morphologic ultrasonographic findings, reliable dating established by dates and by ultrasonographic measurement of the crown-lump length in the first trimester, and gestational age from 20 to 37 weeks. Exclusion criteria were discordance between clinical and ultrasonographic dating, patients lost to follow-up, and birth weight disorders. Each patient was scanned once during pregnancy. RESULTS: The right, left, and total mean pulmonary volumes ranged, respectively, from 5.37, 4.66, and 9.95 cm3 at 20 weeks to 46.06, 37.34, and 84.35 cm3 at 37 weeks. The logistic transformation analysis yielded the following formulas: right lung volume = exp(4.07/[1 + exp(21.90 - gestational age/5.44)]); left lung volume = exp(3.82/(1 + exp[22.03 - gestational age/5.17)]); and, total lung volume = exp(4.72/[1 + exp(20.30 - gestational age/6.05)]). CONCLUSIONS: A new nomogram of fetal lung (right, left, and total) volumes throughout gestational age using the rotational technique (VOCAL) is described, and reference values have been generated.     

Prenatal 3-dimensional sonographic and MRI findings in omphalocele-exstrophy-imperforate anus-spinal defects complex

We describe the second-trimester 3D sonographic and MRI findings of omphalocele-exstrophy-imperforate anus-spinal defects (OEIS) complex. We suggest that fetal 3-dimensional sonography with tomographic ultrasound imaging and MRI are useful adjuncts to conventional 2-dimensional sonography in the prenatal diagnosis of OEIS complex.     

3D elastography using freehand ultrasound

We present an elastography system using freehand 3D ultrasound. A review is provided of the standard elastography methods that have been adapted for this purpose. The scanning protocol is simple and promising results are presented of 3D strain images from freehand scans. Robustness is a problem, however, and the main sources of error are explained. Measures have been developed to improve the quality of the freehand images by means of drop-out correction and frame filtering. Results from the application of these techniques provide an indication of development strands which should lead to a system that is both easy-to-use and produces reliable, high quality images.     

Detection of intrauterine growth retardation in twins using individualized growth assessment. II. Evaluation of third-trimester growth and prediction of growth outcome at birth.

Second- and third-trimester growth in 34 twin fetuses was evaluated with ultrasonography by measurement of five anatomic parameters. Rossavik growth models, derived from second-trimester measurements, were used to specify expected third-trimester growth curves. Actual measurements were compared to predicted measurements by calculation of the percent deviations. Growth outcome at birth [normal, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)] was determined from Neonatal Growth Assessment Scores. Growth in the second trimester was similar in normal and IUGR twins. In the third trimester, abnormal negative deviations were larger and more numerous in IUGR twins. However, there was considerable individual variability and normal twins also had abnormal negative deviations. In IUGR twins, the first appearance of an abnormal negative deviation was quite variable (range: 28.6 weeks to 35.1 weeks), as was the parameter to show such a deviation. Prediction of neonatal outcome was poor using individual anatomic parameters but improved considerably with use of all five parameters. However, some fetuses were misclassified when only the number of abnormal negative deviations was used. The Prenatal Growth Assessment Score (PGAS), determined by both the number and magnitude of abnormal negative deviations, predicted neonatal outcomes with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100%. On average, PGAS values were abnormal 5 weeks before delivery. These results indicate that normal and IUGR twins can be separated, using third-trimester growth patterns, if multiple parameter Individualized Fetal Growth Assessment is employed.     

Predicting fetal growth restriction by humerus volume: A three-dimensional ultrasound study

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR) is very important, as FGR may have increased risks with perinatal morbidity and mortality. Fetal humerus dysplasia is associated with a variety of congenital syndromes and FGR. For the assessment of the efficacy of fetal humerus volume in predicting FGR, we undertook a prospective cross-sectional study using quantitative three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound (US). In total, 42 fetuses with FGR and 258 fetuses without FGR were included for the humerus volume assessment in utero by 3D US. All the fetuses were singletons and were followed up to delivery to determine whether they were complicated with FGR or not. Our results revealed that fetal humerus volume assessed by 3D US can differentiate fetuses with FGR from fetuses without FGR well. The best predicting threshold for FGR is at the 10th percentile by humerus volume. Using the 10th percentile as the cutoff, the sensitivity of fetal humerus volume in predicting FGR was 97.6%, specificity 87.2%, positive predictive value 55.4%, negative predictive value 99.6% and accuracy 88.7%. In conclusion, fetal humerus volume assessed by quantitative 3D US can be used to predict FGR prenatally. We believe fetal humerus volume assessment by 3D US would be a useful test in detecting fetuses with FGR.     

Assessment of fetal adrenal gland volume using three-dimensional ultrasound

To assess the normal fetal adrenal gland volume during normal gestation, we performed a prospective study on 119 normal fetuses with gestational age ranging from 21 to 40 weeks using a 3-D ultrasound (US) volume scanner with a pure cross-sectional design. Polynomial regression analysis was calculated to find the best-fit model between gestational age (GA) and adrenal gland volume. In addition, estimated fetal weight (EFW) was also measured to demonstrate the correlation between adrenal gland volume and fetal weight. Our results showed that fetal adrenal gland volume is highly correlated with GA. Furthermore, using GA as the independent variable and adrenal gland volume as the dependent variable, the best-fit regression equation was adrenal glands volume (mL) = -0.2683 x GA + 0.0082 x GA(2) + 3.1927 (r = 0.93, n = 119, p < 0.0001). For clinical use, a chart of normal growth centiles of fetal adrenal gland volume in utero was then calculated based on this equation. In addition, fetal adrenal gland volume during normal gestation is also highly correlated with EFW (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, our data of fetal adrenal gland volume assessed by 3-D US can serve as a useful reference in evaluating fetal growth status during gestation.     

二维及实时三维超声心动图评价右心室容积的准确度研究

目的 (1)评价实时三维超声心动图测量右心室容积的准确度;(2)探讨二维超声心动图测量右心室容积的方法及其准确度.方法 27例健康志愿者,在24 h内进行常规二维超声心动图(2-DE)、实时三维超声心动图(RT-3DE)及心脏核磁共振(cMRI)检查.2-DE计算右室容积采用Simpson法、对切半椭圆体法和双平面面积-长度法(简称双平面法);RT-3DE采用三平面成像法(Tri-plane)及Tom-Tec 4D RV-Function CAP进行容积计算(结果分别记为RT-3DEV1、RT-3DE V2).cMRI图像采用Argus软件计算容积.将2-DE与RT-3DE测量的结果与cMRI结果对比研究.结果 Simpson法、对切半椭圆体法及RT-3DEV1所得结果低估RVEDV及RVESV (P＜0.001),差异有统计学意义;双平面法及RT-3DE V2结果对RVEDV及RVESV有一定的高估或低估(P＞0.05),但差异无统计学意义.相关分析表明,Simpson法及RT-3DEV1测值与cMRI测值相关性较差(RVEDV,r=0.37,0.38; RVESV,r=0.35,0.38).RT-3DE V2、对切半椭圆体法及双平面法测值均与cMRI测值高度相关,(RVEDV,r=0.72,0.73,0.85;RVESV,r=0.60,0.73,0.80).Bland-Alrman分析显示,RT-3DE V2及双平面法与cMRI的右室容积测值的平均差值更小、一致性界限更窄.结论 (1) RT-3DE采用Tom-Tec 4D RV-Function CAP软件进行分析能够较准确的测量右心室容积;(2)二维测量方法中,双平面面积-长度法能够较准确测量右心室容积.     

Placental and spiral artery volume and gray-scale value assessment via 3-dimensional sonography in the second trimester

PURPOSE: Extreme placental size has been associated with abnormal pregnancy outcomes. The purpose of this study was to establish normal values for placental and spiral artery volume and gray-scale value as assessed via 3-dimensional (3D) sonography in the second trimester. METHODS: The entry criterion was a documented singleton pregnancy at 14-25 weeks' gestation. Patients with normal pregnancy outcome were stratified into 6 subgroups representing 2-week intervals. Automatic 3D sonographic acquisition of the placental and spiral artery volume and gray-scale value, expressed as a percentage, was obtained. RESULTS: Out of 199 patients with normal pregnancy outcome, the placental volume was between 77.7 and 213.9 cm(3) and the gray-scale value was between 28.6 and 29.2 cm(3) (depending on gestational age). The spiral artery volume adjacent to placenta was between 47.9 and 108.7 cm(3), and the gray-scale value was between 27.5 and 29.5 cm(3). Statistical analysis in each subgroup of patients revealed a significant difference between placental and spiral artery volumes but no difference when the gray-scale value was compared. CONCLUSIONS: We defined normal placental and spiral artery volume and gray-scale value in the second trimester of normal pregnancy using 3D sonography.     

Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin--a pilot study

Emerging evidence from preclinical, clinical and epidemiological studies suggests that vitamin D3 plays vital roles in several diseases in addition to bone disorders. According to new medical evidence, it is being recommended that vitamin D3 intake to be increased for maximal benefits in human health. However, it is necessary to consider potential side effects of increased intake of vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 exerts its actions through the vitamin D receptor, which is known to be an important regulator of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). As P-gp plays a significant role in limiting drug bioavailability, we undertook a study to compare single-dose digoxin (a P-gp substrate) pharmacokinetics in eight healthy male subjects before and after vitamin D3 supplementation (1000 IU per day). The geometric mean ratios for AUC(0-3h), AUC(0-48h) and C(max) were 1.06 (90% CI 0.92, 1.21) and 1.02 (90% CI 0.97, 1.08) and 1.03 (95% CI 0.86, 1.24), respectively. The median for digoxin T(max) was 0.75 h before and after vitamin D3 ingestion. The mean plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) levels remained constant after the intake of vitamin D3 (15.4 ± 3.7 and 14.4 ± 3.6 ng/mL, respectively), while there was a modest but statistically significant increase in plasma calcium levels, from 9.32-9.68 mg/dL (P = 0.0277). These results suggest that vitamin D3 supplementation (1000 IU per day) in human volunteers does not produce a P-gp-mediated drug interaction with orally administered digoxin.     

三维超声软件系统Ultra 3DTM的设计及临床应用

三维超声成像技术作为科研课题已经存在多年,随着计算机和图像处理技术的进步,开发具有临床应用价值的三维超声影像软件系统吸引了越来越多的注意力.本文基于开发Ultra 3DTM三维超声软件的经验,对三维超声成像系统的特点,设计和实现进行了分析和介绍.临床应用的实例验证了Ultra 3DTM系统的稳定性和有效性.     

Prenatal detection of fetal growth restriction by fetal femur volume: efficacy assessment using three-dimensional ultrasound

As fetal growth restriction (FGR) may have increased risks with perinatal morbidity and mortality, it is very important to detect FGR prenatally. Fetal femur dysplasia is associated with a variety of congenital syndromes and FGR as well. To date, no prenatal assessment of fetal FV in predicting FGR using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound (US) has been reported. In this study, we used 3D US to test the efficacy of fetal femur volume (FV) measurement in predicting FGR. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and efficacy of fetal FV assessed by 3D US in detecting FGR according to the Bayes' theorem. All the fetuses were singletons and were followed up to delivery to determine whether they were complicated with FGR or not. In total, 304 fetuses without FGR and 42 fetuses with FGR were included for FV assessment in utero by 3D US. Our results showed fetal FV assessed by 3D US can differentiate fetuses with FGR from fetuses without FGR well. The best predicting threshold for FGR is at the 10th percentile of FV. Using the 10th percentile as the cutoff, the sensitivity of fetal FV in predicting FGR was 71.4%, specificity 94.1%, positive predictive value 62.5%, negative predictive value 96.0% and accuracy 91.3%. In addition, fetal FV is superior to fetal biparietal diameter and fetal abdominal circumference in predicting FGR. In conclusion, fetal FV assessed by 3D US can be applied to detect FGR well prenatally. We believe fetal FV assessment by 3D US would be a useful test in detecting fetuses with FGR.     

三维超声对胎儿肺体积的研究

目的 应用三维超声建立不同孕周胎儿左肺、右肺及总肺体积的正常参考值范围.方法 对正常单胎妊娠16～37周324例胎儿进行肺三维超声体积扫查,采用VOCAL分析软件30°旋转法分别测定左肺及右肺体积,应用相关回归分析拟合左肺、右肺及总肺体积随孕周增长的回归方程.结果 正常妊娠胎儿左肺、右肺及总肺体积三维超声测量值均与孕周高度相关(左肺:r=0.966,P＜0.001;右肺:r=0.973,P＜0.001;总肺:r=0.990,P＜0.001).左肺、右肺及总肺体积随孕周增长的最适方程均为指数曲线回归方程(左肺:y=0.207exp~(0.143X),右肺:y=0.301exp~(0.14X),总肺:y=0.508exp~(0.142X)).结论 三维超声测量16～37周胎儿肺体积的正常参考值为产前诊断肺发育不良提供有价值的参考指标.     

First-trimester diagnosis of body stalk anomaly using 2- and 3-dimensional sonography

To determine the sonographic features of body stalk anomaly in the first trimester using 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) sonography, we conducted a retrospective analysis of all nuchal translucency sonographic examinations performed between January 1, 2006, and January 1, 2010, at our institution. From a total of 6952 nuchal translucency sonographic examinations, 4 cases of body stalk anomaly were identified. All cases were characterized by an absent umbilical cord and a large ventral wall defect with herniation of the abdominal contents into the extraembryonic coelom. Associated features included kyphoscoliosis, limb defects, and enlarged nuchal translucency measurements. Three-dimensional sonography was a useful adjunct to 2D techniques in determining the precise relationship of fetal structures to the amniotic cavity. Our case series emphasizes the importance of a thorough anatomic survey at the time of nuchal translucency screening and the value of 3D sonography in the delineation of first-trimester anomalies.