Research from R. Achiron and co-authors yields new data on diaphragmatic hernia.

According to recent research from Tel Hashomer, Israel, " To study tbree- (3D) and four-dimensional (41)) ultrasound applications for the evaluation of fetal thoracic anomalies. Volume datasets of 23 fetuses with thoracic anomalies were acquired with static 3D and cine 4D ultrasound, i.e. spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) mode."

"The volumes were analyzed and displayed by multiplanar and tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI) modes and static volume contrast imaging (VCI). Color Doppler was added to the volumes acquired, and various rendering modes were used to display the volume datasets. The mean gestational age at evaluation was 22 (range, 14-34) weeks. The anomalies were identified as: diaphragmatic hernia (n = 5), lung dysplasia (n = 11), skeletal dysplasia with small thorax/thanatophoric dysplasia (n = 2), abnormal situs (n = 2), hydrothorax (n = 2) and esophageal atresia (n = 1). The TUI mode achieved optimal display of the thorax, thereby aiding the diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia and lung dysplasia. In right diaphragmatic hernias, the VCI mode proved invaluable as it distinguished liver from lung tissue. High-definition color Doppler with glass-body rendering significantly contributed to the detection of abnormal vascularization in lung dysplasia. Maximal transparent mode with a transvaginal transducer provided accurate diagnosis of skeletal dysplasia in the first trimester. Situs abnormalities were best viewed with a minimal ...