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a Chapter 34 Four-Dimensional B-Mode and Color Doppler Echocardiography of the Human Fetus 515<br />

Fig. 34.14. Spatio-temporal image<br />

correlation 4D echocardiography<br />

in the color Doppler<br />

mode. Multiplanar view of the<br />

fetal heart simultaneously<br />

showing four-chamber view<br />

and the outflow tracts. RA right<br />

atrium, LA left atrium, RV right<br />

ventricle, LV left ventricle, AO<br />

aortic cross section, PA pulmonary<br />

artery, SP fetal spine<br />

could substantially increase the ease of fetal echocardiography<br />

and improve its diagnostic efficacy.<br />

Conclusion<br />

Fig. 34.15. Spatio-temporal image correlation 4D echocardiography<br />

in the color Doppler mode. Single-plane view of<br />

the fetal heart showing cross-over relationship of the great<br />

vessels and the outflow tracts. RV right ventricle, LV left ventricle,<br />

RVOT right ventricular outflow tract, LVOT left ventricular<br />

outflow tract. The arrows depict directionality of the flow<br />

Development of 4D ultrasound represents a major advance<br />

in non-invasive diagnostic technology and its<br />

introduction in clinical practice has initiated a significant<br />

paradigm shift in medical ultrasound imaging.<br />

Four-dimensional echocardiography allows a more<br />

comprehensive assessment of the fetal cardiac anatomy<br />

and hemodynamics than has been achievable in<br />

any of the current or legacy systems. It has the real<br />

potential of significantly expanding the scope of in<br />

utero diagnosis of congenital heart diseases and other<br />

abnormalities of the fetal heart. This is a very new<br />

technology and there is a real dearth of investigations<br />

critically evaluating its promises and limitations in<br />

the fetal application. This is especially relevant for extending<br />

its use outside the domain of experts and enthusiasts.<br />

At present, traditional 2D B-mode and<br />

Doppler sonography will continue to be the standard<br />

of practice for fetal cardiac assessment with substantial<br />

supplemental assistance from the 4D echocardiography<br />

which, however, has the strong potential to become<br />

the mainstream approach in the future.

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