胎儿三维超声在临床中的应用价值

目的 研究胎儿三维超声在临床中的应用,并与二维超声进行比较.方法使用的仪器为三维超声工作站和三维彩超机容积探头.用扇形或平行自由扫查方式匀速采集图像,或用容积探头自动采集图像.图像采集后,根据研究的需要进行表面或透明三维重建.结果 220例中有205例三维图像显示满意,成功率93.2%;查出无脑儿、脑积水、内脏外翻、死胎各1例,胚胎停育5例;与二维图像比较,三维图像更能清楚地显示胚胎发育过程中三维形态的演变,能清楚地显示胎儿头面、体表结构及脊柱肋骨结构,图像直观,立体感强.结论胎儿三维超声明显优于二维超声,能直观显示胎儿头面、体表结构及先天畸形,具有极高的临床应用价值.     

Clinical utility of three-dimensional US.

Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography (US) is rapidly gaining popularity as it moves out of the research environment and into the clinical setting. This modality offers several distinct advantages over conventional US, including 3D image reconstruction with a single pass of the US beam, virtually unlimited viewing perspectives; accurate assessment of long-term effects of treatment; and more accurate, repeatable evaluation of anatomic structures and disease entities. In obstetric imaging, 3D US provides a novel perspective on the fetal anatomy, makes anomalies easier to recognize, facilitates maternal-fetal bonding, and helps families better understand fetal abnormalities. Three-dimensional pelvic US allows volume data sets to be acquired with both transvaginal and transabdominal probes. Viewing multiple 3D power Doppler US images in a fast cine loop has proved useful in angiographic applications. Three-dimensional prostate US can help make accurate volume assessments for dosimetry planning or for estimating prostate-specific antigen levels. In breast imaging, 3D US has the capacity to demonstrate lesion margins and topography, thereby helping differentiate benign from malignant masses. Three-dimensional US can also help determine the need for biopsy and help facilitate needle localization and guidance during biopsy. With recent advances in computer technology and display techniques, 3D US will likely play an increasingly important role in medicine.     

Three-dimensional US of the fetus: volume imaging

PURPOSE: To retrospectively compare the rapidity, efficiency, and accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) ultrasonography (US) for complete anatomic survey in fetuses at 17-21 weeks of gestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained, informed consent was waived, and the study was HIPAA compliant. Fifty consecutive women undergoing fetal anatomic survey at 17-21 weeks of gestation formed the study cohort. After standard 2D US was performed by one of eight sonographers, the same sonographer also obtained five 3D volumes to encompass the entire fetal anatomy. Three physicians interpreting the scans independently evaluated the completeness of the examination and time needed to read the scans, comparing the standard 2D method with the 3D volume reconstruction technique. The paired t test was used to compare biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length, and performance times between the 3D measurements and the 2D measurement. The t test was used to compare fetal anatomy according to volume angle. Differences were significant when P < .05. RESULTS: Mean time to perform 2D US was 19.6 minutes per examination, whereas mean time to perform complete 3D volume acquisition was 1.8 minutes. Mean times needed to interpret 3D images and measure the BPD and femur were 5.53, 4.79, and 5.34 minutes for the three interpreting physicians. Compared with complete fetal surveys performed with 2D US, individual fetal anatomic landmarks (except for fetal arms and cavum septum pellucidum) were identified more than 94% of the time by using 3D US. Grouping anatomic views by region, the heart, head, extremities, and abdominal views were completely seen in 88%, 90%, 90%, and 95% of patients, respectively. No significant difference was seen between the three physicians regarding completeness of the 3D examinations (P = .7). One fetus had multiple anomalies, with 3D volumes identified as abnormal by all three physicians. Overall, 74% of 3D BPD measurements were within 1 mm of the 2D measurements, and 64% of 3D femur measurements were within 1 mm of the 2D measurements. CONCLUSION: The standard fetal anatomic survey can be performed in less than 2 minutes with 3D volume US, and the volumes can be interpreted in 6-7 minutes, compared with a mean of 19.6 minutes to perform standard 2D US.     

胎儿三维磁共振成像技术的初步应用

目的：探讨三维磁共振成像（3D-MRI）技术在显示胎儿体表正常解剖和先天畸形方面的应用价值。方法：对40例18~37周的胎儿在超声检查后1~2d内行MRI检查,应用单次激发快速自旋回波序列（SSFSE）行胎儿轴面、矢状面和冠状面二维MRI（2D-MRI）,三维稳态进动快速成像（3D-FIESTA）序列MRI,均使用并行采集技术（ASSET）,在工作站对原始数据进行多平面重组（MPR）、容积重组（VR）和磁共振仿真内窥镜技术（MRVE）等三维图像后处理。将MRI和随访、尸检结果进行比较。结果：36例孕妇3D-MRI检查成功率为94.4%（34/36）,34例胎儿经随访和尸检证实46处畸形。胎儿体表先天畸形2D-MRI正确诊断37处,诊断符合率80.4%（37/46）;误诊1处,假阳性率为2.1%（1/46）;漏诊8处,漏诊率17.4%（8/46）。3D-MRI正确诊断43处,诊断符合率93.5%（43/46）;误诊1处,假阳性率2.1%（1/46）;漏诊2处,漏诊率为4.3%（2/46）。两种方法诊断胎儿体表先天畸形差异无统计学意义（χ2=2.40,P〉0.05）,但3D-MRI对于面部畸形如唇裂和其他复杂畸形如体蒂异常、骶尾部畸胎瘤、联体双胎等显示更直观清楚。结论：3D-MRI一次扫描可直观反映胎儿体表结构的表面特征、立体形态及相互间的位置关系,VR、MRVE对胎儿正常面部、外生殖器、脐带、肢体等的评价有较高价值,MPR可对兴趣区进行多角度观察。磁共振三维成像对显示胎儿正常体表结构和病变及产前咨询和围产期手术具有重要的临床价值。     

Role of fetal MRI in the diagnosis of cerebral ventriculomegaly assessed by ultrasonography

Purpose

To evaluate the additional diagnostic value of fetal MRI to evaluate cerebral ventriculomegaly assessed by ultrasonography (US) for the possibility to change the diagnosis, the counseling and the management of pregnancy.

Materials and Methods

From february 2006 to october 2008, we studied 55 pregnant women by fetal MRI (mean age 28 years), 4 with twin pregnancy, for a total of 59 fetuses with mean gestational age of 27 weeks. The number of fetuses affected by ventriculomegaly assessed by US was 55. All fetuses had a US diagnosis of ventriculomegaly: 29 fetuses with isolated ventriculomegaly and 26 fetuses with ventriculomegaly associated with CNS (central nervous system) abnormalities (18) and with no CNS abnormalities (8).

Results

The findings showed that the two techniques are substantially in agreement in defining the degree of VM, with the exception of some cases in which the disagreement could be attributed to the possible progression of the dilatation between the US and MRI examinations, which sway between two days and two weeks. We proved a low correlation between US and MRI in the evaluation of ventriculomegaly associated either with CNS or non-CNS anomalies: in fact while fetal MRI detected 26/55 (47,3%) VM associated with CNS anomalies, US demonstrated only 18/55(32,7%). Referring to VM associated with non-CNS anomalies, MRI diagnosed 10/55 cases (18,2%) compared to 8/55 fetuses (14,5%) showed by US.

Conclusions

Our experience demonstrated that fetal MRI has an important role as adjunctive tool to sonography in the evaluation of cerebral ventriculomegaly for the additional informations given to parents and for the possibility to change the diagnosis, the counseling and the management of pregnancy.     

Value of three-dimensional US for optimizing guidance for ablating focal liver tumors

PURPOSE: To determine if three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US), by nature of its ability to simultaneously evaluate structures in three orthogonal planes and to study relationships of devices to tumor(s) and surrounding anatomic structures from any desired orientation, adds significant additional information to real-time 2D US used for placement of devices for ablation of focal liver tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients underwent focal ablation of 23 liver tumors during two intraoperative cryoablation (CA) procedures, three intraoperative radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedures, 11 percutaneous ethanol injections (PEI) procedures, and six percutaneous RFA procedures. After satisfactory placement of the ablative device(s) with 2D US guidance, 3D US was used to reevaluate adequacy to device position. Information added by 3D US and resultant alterations in device deployment were tabulated. RESULTS: 3D US added information in 20 of 22 (91%) procedures and caused the operator to readjust the number or position of ablative devices in 10 of 22 (45%) of procedures. Specifically, 3D US improved visualization and confident localization of devices in 13 of 22 (59%) procedures, detected unacceptable device placement in 10 of 22 (45%), and determined that 2D US had incorrectly predicted device orientation to a tumor in three of 22 (14%). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to conventional 2D US, 3D US provides additional relationship information for improved placement and optimal distribution of ablative agents for treatment of focal liver malignancy.     

Fetal choroid plexus cysts: a report of 100 cases

A prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence and significance of fetal choroid plexus cysts detected on screening ultrasound (US) scans. One hundred cases of fetal choroid plexus cysts were detected from 11,700 examinations: There were 95 healthy newborns, three newborns with trisomy 18, one newborn with syndactyly of the toes, and one intrauterine death. In the three neonates with trisomy 18 the cysts were large (greater than 1 cm in diameter), and additional abnormalities were detected. Although there is a clear association between fetal choroid plexus cysts and trisomy 18, amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling should be reserved for high-risk patients with either large cysts or US evidence of other abnormalities.     

Increased renal parenchymal echogenicity in the fetus: importance and clinical outcome

Pre- and postnatal ultrasound (US) findings and clinical course in 19 fetuses (16-40 menstrual weeks) with hyperechoic kidneys (renal echogenicity greater than that of liver) and no other abnormalities detected with US were evaluated to determine whether increased renal parenchymal echogenicity in the fetus indicates renal disease. Four infants (21%) were healthy at birth and had normal postnatal sonograms. Another 10 infants (53%) survived, but abnormalities were found at neonatal US. Postnatal diagnoses in these 10 neonates included unilateral renal dysplasia (n = 3), unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney and a contralateral hyperechoic kidney (n = 2), hydronephrosis (n = 2), and renal abnormalities of unknown type (n = 3). Five fetuses with either infantile polycystic kidney disease (n = 4) or bilateral multicystic dysplasia (n = 1) did not survive. Oligohydramnios was predictive of a poor prognosis. Hyperechoic renal parenchyma in the fetus was associated with sonographic or functional abnormalities in 15 of 19 cases (79%) and a 74% survival rate.     

Detection of Hepatic VX2 Tumors in Rabbits: Comparison of Conventional US and Phase-Inversion Harmonic US During the Liver-Specific Late Phase of Contrast Enhancement

Objective

To compare phase-inversion sonography during the liver-specific phase of contrast enhancement using a microbubble contrast agent with conventional B-mode sonography for the detection of VX2 liver tumors.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-three rabbits, 18 of which had VX2 liver tumor implants, received a bolus injection of 0.6 g of Levovist (200 mg/ml). During the liver-specific phase of this agent, they were evaluated using both conventional sonography and contrast-enhanced phase-inversion harmonic imaging (CE-PIHI). Following sacrifice of the animals, pathologic analysis was performed and the reference standard thus obtained. The conspicuity, size and number of the tumors before and after contrast administration, as determined by a sonographer, were compared between the two modes and with the pathologic findings.

Results

CE-PIHI demonstrated marked hepatic parenchymal enhancement in all rabbits. For VX2 tumors detected at both conventional US and CE- PIHI, conspicuity was improved by contrast-enhanced PIHI. On examination of gross specimens, 52 VX2 tumors were identified. Conventional US correctly detected 18 of the 52 (34.6%), while PIHI detected 35 (67.3%) (p < 0.05). In particular, conventional US detected only three (8.3%) of the 36 tumors less than 10 mm in diameter, but CE-PIHI detected 19 such tumors (52.8%) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared to conventional sonography, PIHI performed during the liver-specific phase after intravenous injection of Levovist is markedly better at detecting VX2 liver tumors.     

Time-resolved three-dimensional pulmonary MR angiography and perfusion imaging with ultrashort repetition time

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to implement ultrafast, multiphase three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and perfusion imaging after bolus injection of contrast medium to generate preliminary validation of parameters in a pig model and to illustrate potential applications in patients with lung abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five healthy volunteers, five patients, and three pigs underwent rapid, time-resolved pulmonary MR angiography and perfusion imaging on a 1.5-T MR imager. All patients had undergone correlative computed tomographic or conventional angiography. The pulse sequence was a 3D spin-warp, gradient-echo acquisition with a repetition time of 1.6 msec and an echo time of 0.6 msec. Each 3D acquisition lasted 2-3 seconds, and 8-16 sequential measurements were made in each study. Artificial pulmonary emboli were generated in pigs with gelatin sponge. All patients had diseases of the pulmonary circulation (as confirmed with other studies). RESULTS: Multiphasic, time-resolved pulmonary parenchymal enhancement was demonstrated in all healthy subjects and animals. All segmental (n = 100) and subsegmental (n = 200) branches were identified in the healthy subjects. Perfusion deficits were clearly demonstrated in all pigs after gelatin embolization. Perfusion defects were identified in two patients with lung disease. Abnormalities of the pulmonary vasculature were clearly identified in the patient group. CONCLUSION: Dynamic time-resolved 3D pulmonary MR angiography and perfusion imaging is feasible in humans as well as in animals. Induced perfusion deficits are identifiable after artificial embolization in pigs. Combined pulmonary MR angiography and parenchymal (perfusion) imaging may improve evaluation of the pulmonary circulation in a variety of conditions.     

胎儿羊膜带综合征所致四肢畸形的MRI诊断

目的:探讨快速MRI对胎儿羊膜带综合征所致四肢先天畸形的诊断价值。方法:搜集本院行产前超声检查(US)和MRI检查的68例孕妇中发现并经引产后胎儿尸检证实的胎儿四肢畸形病例资料12例。这12例孕妇年龄22~34岁,平均27.3岁;其12例胎儿,胎龄20~38周,平均26.8周。US检查后3天内行胎儿肢体轴面、冠状面、矢状面MRI扫描。MRI扫描采用单次激发快速自旋回波(SSFSE)序列。观察胎儿四肢骨骼及软组织的形态、结构,并与US及尸检结果进行比较。结果:快速MRI视野大,运动伪影少,组织分辨力高,能清楚显示四肢骨骼、软组织等解剖结构。引产后尸检发现12例四肢畸形(左前臂缺失3例,右前臂残端畸形4例,左侧手指缺失1例,下肢狭窄环2例,马蹄内翻足畸形2例);US诊断10例,误诊、漏诊各1例;MRI诊断11例,漏诊1例。比较两者正确诊断数及误漏诊数,采用四格表的确切概率法检验,P>0.05,差异无统计学意义。结论:MRI对胎儿四肢先天畸形具有较高的诊断价值,是胎儿肢体先天畸形影像学诊断的重要手段之一。     

Ultrasonographic findings in the anterior segment of the eye obtained with a nondedicated unit.

Many abnormalities of the anterior segment of the eye can be detected by ultrasonography (US), and associated anomalies of the posterior segment that are difficult to detect clinically may also be demonstrated by this modality. A total of 48 patients with ultrasonographically detectable abnormalities in the anterior segment were examined with real-time high-resolution US; 51 abnormalities were demonstrated. The most common problems were cataract (19 cases), intraocular lens implant (10), dislocated lens (9) and tumour (8). In addition, 23 abnormalities of the posterior segment of the eye were found. Six of the lesions in the posterior segment were obscured by those in the anterior segment and could be detected only by US.     

Fetal skeletal dysplasia: three-dimensional US--initial experience

PURPOSE: To compare the prenatal ultrasonographic (US) features of skeletal dysplasia by using two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) US to determine whether 3D US can reveal additional diagnostic information. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven pregnant women suspected of having skeletal dysplasia were examined by using 2D US and 3D US. Data regarding the thorax, spine, face, limbs, hands, and feet were compared. Multiplanar and volume-rendered US images were evaluated. RESULTS: The skeletal dysplasias studied included camptomelic dysplasia (n = 2), thanatophoric dysplasia (n = 1), osteogenesis imperfecta (n = 1), arthrogryposis (n = 2), and short-limbed dysplasia (n = 1). Three-dimensional US, by allowing review in a standard anatomic orientation, was better than 2D US in depicting abnormal spatial relationships such as short ribs, splayed digits, and absent bones. Three-dimensional US enabled the acquisition of additional information in two fetuses with facial abnormalities and in two fetuses with scapular aplasia or hypoplasia (one fetus had both facial and scapular anomalies); it enabled a specific diagnosis in one fetus. The archiving capabilities of 3D US allow the review and manipulation of data after the patient has left the clinic. CONCLUSION: In three of seven patients, 3D US provided additional information in the evaluation of skeletal dysplasias, as compared with 2D US.     

胎儿结肠三维磁共振成像研究

目的:探讨三维磁共振成像技术(3D-MRI)在显示胎儿结肠正常解剖和病变方面的临床应用价值.方法:对38例孕19～37周经超声诊断或怀疑胎儿畸形的孕妇在超声检查后1～2 d内进行MRI检查,使用单次激发快速自旋回波序列(SSFSE)行胎儿矢状面和冠状面常规扫描,三维快速扰相梯度回波序列(3D-FSPGR)行胎儿三雏磁共...     

VIBE MRI for evaluating the normal and abnormal gastrointestinal tract in fetuses

OBJECTIVE: The great potential of MRI for assessing gastrointestinal abnormalities in fetuses has been described. T1-weighted images may add additional information to T2-weighted images in diagnosing fetal gastrointestinal abnormalities. The objective of this study was to assess the performance of a 3D volumetric interpolated breath-hold sequence (VIBE) in evaluating the normal and abnormal fetal gastrointestinal tract. CONCLUSION: VIBE provides high-quality T1-weighted and 3D MR colonography images for the evaluation of the normal and abnormal gastrointestinal tract in fetuses, and 3D MR colonography provides excellent delineation of the meconium.     

Contrast enhanced ultrasound with second generation contrast agent in traumatic liver lesions

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of second generation contrast enhanced US (Sonovue) in the diagnosis and staging of traumatic hepatic lesions, compared with conventional US and spiral CT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 203 patients (127 males, 76 females, mean age 36 years) with isolated abdominal trauma were examined with conventional and contrast enhanced US (Sonovue, Bracco, Italy) between March 2002 and February 2003. The sonographic contrast agent was administered at a dose of 2 ml/10-15", repeated twice. CT examinations were performed with single- (Rhota, Esaote Biomedica, Italy) or multislice spiral CT with administration of contrast agent. The presence and number of lesions, hepatic capsular involvement, size and sonographic pattern were evaluated. RESULTS: Conventional US demonstrated hepatic lesions in 27 patients, in 3 cases it identified 2 foci (30 lesions, size 2-8 cm). Contrast enhanced US (CEUS) revealed another 2 lesions and in 4 patients it identified lesions not shown at conventional US (size 2-5 cm). Capsular involvement was detected in 14 cases (11 with conventional US). The sonographic pattern of the lesions at conventional US was hypo-anechoic in 19 cases, and hyperechoic in 11. In CEUS all the lesions appeared strongly hypoechoic against a strongly hyperechoic parenchyma, with clear borders and larger size as compared with conventional US. CONCLUSIONS: In isolated blunt abdominal trauma CEUS is more accurate than conventional US in determining the number and size of lesions and detecting capsular involvement. This has a strong impact on diagnosis as the number of false negatives is reduced and on prognosis as the lesions are more accurately graded, and there is close correlation with spiral CT. CEUS can be used as a first approach in mild isolated abdominal trauma, in paediatric patients and in the follow-up, whereas CT is the method of choice in severe trauma and in multiple traumas.     

MRI对胎儿胼胝体缺如的诊断价值

目的 探讨MRI对胎儿胼胝体缺如的诊断价值. 资料与方法 超声（US）怀疑胎儿胼胝体缺如的孕妇9例,平均年龄25岁（18～29岁）,平均孕周32周（28～36周）,所有患者均在US检查后2天内行MRI检查.将US、MRI结果与出生后或引产后结果对照. 结果 MRI与US比较,胎儿胼胝体缺如基本一致者3例;US可疑、MRI肯定者6例,其中出生后随访证实者2例,引产后证实者4例;对于其伴发畸形,两者基本一致者5例,MRI多于US者4例. 结论 MRI对胎儿胼胝体缺如有较高的诊断价值,可作为US有利的补充及验证手段.     

US versus conventional radiography in the diagnosis of sternal fractures

Purpose: To investigate the value of ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis of sternal fractures.Material and Methods: Twenty-three patients (mean age 35.4 years) with a clinical suspicion of sternal fracture after blunt chest trauma were retrospectively reviewed. At admission, a.p. and lateral chest radiographies and sternal US were obtained. Sternal fractures were classified as nondisplaced or displaced. US and conventional radiographic findings were compared.Results: In 3/23 (13.0%) of the patients, no fracture was found by radiography or by US. Both radiography and US demonstrated sternal fractures in 16/23 (69.6%) of the patients. Sternal fractures were detected only by US while the conventional radiography was negative in 2/23 (8.7%) cases. Also in 2/23 (8.7%) of the patients with US positive for fracture, radiographies were suspicious. In 2 patients, the degree of fracture displacement on US was lesser than that found by radiography.Conclusion: US was better than lateral radiography to diagnose sternal fractures; however, conventional radiography remains the standard means of demonstrating grade of displacement.     

Three dimensional ultrasound: display modalities in the fetal spine and thorax

Purpose: To evaluate the display modalities of three dimensional ultrasound (3D US) in the prenatal assessment of the fetal spine and thorax. Method: Twenty prenatal spine examinations (mean gestational age: 21 weeks, 15 normal findings, five pathological cases) were performed with a commercially available 3D US device. The visualization of fetal spine and rib anatomy and pathology by 3D US display was evaluated using various rendering methods and the optimal method was determined in regard to comprehensive diagnostic display. Results: Demonstration of continuity of both the spine and the ribs could be achieved by 3D US. Visualization of clavicles, scapula and iliac bone was possible on rendered images. Conclusion: 3D US offers an additional diagnostic tool for prenatal assessment of the fetal spine and ribs; it provides a continuous demonstration of curved or tortuous structures in the rendered image. It improves comprehension of complex anatomy by providing a simultaneous display of all orthogonal sectional planes.     

Fetal lip and primary palate: three-dimensional versus two-dimensional US

PURPOSE: To determine if three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography (US) improves the ability to define the location and extent of facial clefting prenatally compared with two-dimensional (2D) US. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one fetuses suspected of having a facial cleft were examined prospectively with 2D and 3D US. Follow-up was performed in all fetuses. RESULTS: Twenty-eight fetuses had a cleft lip at birth. The location of the cleft lip was correctly identified in all fetuses with 3D US and in 26 of 28 with 2D US. Twenty-two fetuses had a cleft primary palate. Nineteen and nine of 22 cleft palates were identified by using 3D and 2D US, respectively. Three fetuses suspected of having a facial cleft at 2D US had a normal palate at 3D US and at birth. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional US is useful to identify the location and extent of facial clefting. The advantages of 3D US are the following: (a) The face may be viewed in a standard orientation, (b) the defect may be viewed systematically by using an interactive display, and (c) the rendered image provides landmarks for the planar images. Patient decisions may be affected, since they can view the abnormality on a recognizable 3D rendered image.