The Role of 3D And 4D Ultrasonography In The Detection Of Foetal Anomalies

The aim of this review was to determine whether three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) ultrasonography adds diagnostic information to what is currently provided by two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of the most common congenital structural defects, namely congenital heart disease, central nervous system (CNS) anomalies and orofacial clefts. Recent studies suggested that 3D/4D US allows to decrease operator dependency in the visualisation of standard diagnostic planes, thus reducing the examination time required for the ultrasound screening examination, with minimal consequences on the imaging quality of the anatomical structures. Furthermore, sonographers with lack of experience may acquire cardiac, palate or brain volumes that can be successfully reviewed offline locally or sent by internet to referral centers for remote review by an observer with more experience. As a consequence 3D/4D ultrasonography promises to become the method of choice for the diagnosis of congenital structural defects.