3-D Ultrasound Helps Identify Abnormalities in Fetal Brain, Spine, Abdomen.

MARINA DEL REY, CALIF. -- Three dimensional ultrasound images capture data about the uterus and fetus that are unavailable with standard two-dimensional ultrasound, Dr. Lawrence D. Platt said at a conference on ultrasound and women's health.

The value of 3-D ultrasound to the obstetrician is the ability to visualize, rotate, and view images of the fetus, uterus, and surrounding anatomy on three planes simultaneously, helping identify or confirm abnormalities of the fetus, uterus, or other pelvic organs.

Speakers at the meeting who have participated in early research with 3-D ultrasound endorsed the technology as an important tool to help manage problem pregnancies and prepare for delivery.

Being able to more accurately visualize how some abnormalities will appear after birth also helps families make crucial decisions about the management of pregnancy and prepare for the special needs of the child, said Dr. Platt, chairman of the department of ob.gyn. at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and professor of ob.gyn. at the University of California, Los Angeles.

In addition, the "wow effect" of the high resolution, sculpturelike images pleases pregnant women and their families, who often want copies of the images to frame or send over the Internet, Dr. Platt said at the meeting sponsored by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

Patients like the fact that there is no need to manually move the probe. The 3 D transvaginal or transabdominal transducer scan remains stationary while a built-in "sweep" gathers the data. Imaging can be accomplished in 3 seconds.

Digital storing of the data: makes it available for immediate viewing and for review after the patient has left the office, said Dr. Platt, who believes that 3-D imaging will eventually become an integral part of every obstetrical examination.