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RESEARCH PRODUCT

3-D ultrasound in prenatal diagnosis

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Abstract 2-D ultrasonography has evolved into an excellent technique in prenatal diagnosis during the past 40 years. The fact remains, however, that 2-D ultrasonography is marked by a lack of ability to provide more than a 2-D demonstration of a 3-D fetus. Although many fetal anomalies are detectable by conventional 2-D ultrasound, it is impossible to demonstrate a defect in the third dimension. 3-D sonography not only offers the third plane, but it also provides the examiner with different viewing modes: the multiplanar, the surface and the transparent demonstration of the fetus. The different viewing modes not only improve the accuracy in detecting fetal malformations, but also serve to demonstrate the normal anatomy of the unborn more conclusively to the parents.