Craniofacial variability index determined by three-dimensional ultrasound in isolated vs. syndromal fetal cleft lip/palate.

Objective: This study was undertaken to employ craniofacial pattern profile analysis in fetal facial clefts and to evaluate the craniofacial variability index (CVI) in distinguishing between isolated and syndromal clefts.

Methods: Three-dimensional (3D) sonographic assessment of 16 different fetal craniofacial measurements was performed in each of eight pregnancies complicated by an isolated facial cleft and seven pregnancies with a syndromal cleft. The measurements covered various aspects of facial width, depth and height.

Craniofacial variability index in utero: a three-dimensional ultrasound study.

Objective: This study was undertaken to develop a craniofacial pattern profile analysis by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound and to introduce a craniofacial variability index (CVI) which can assist in the evaluation of fetal facial anatomy.

Methods: Serial 3D sonographic measurements of 16 different fetal craniofacial parameters were performed at 18-34 weeks of gestation in 126 normal singleton pregnancies. In another six pregnancies complicated by fetal abnormality, a single 3D recording was obtained.

Three-dimensional sonography of prenatal skull base development.

Objective: To explore longitudinally the development of the fetal skull base using three-dimensional (3D) sonography.

Methods: Serial 3D sonographic measurements of anterior skull base length, posterior cranial fossa length and skull base angle were made in 126 normal singleton pregnancies at 18-34 weeks of gestation. In a sub-study of 22 pregnancies, intraobserver variability was determined.

Three-dimensional sonographic determination of normal fetal mandibular and maxillary size during the second half of pregnancy.

Objective: To explore the various ways of obtaining fetal maxillary and mandibular size with three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound, with a view to developing a tool for identifying minor anomalies in the lower facial region.

Methods: Serial 3D sonographic measurements of the fetal jaws were made in 126 normal singleton pregnancies at 18-34 weeks of gestation for determination of degree of maxillary and mandibular protrusion, maxillary and mandibular corpus lengths, mid- and lower facial depths and maxillary and mandibular curvature. In a sub study the reproducibility of the measurements was evaluated.

The role of three-dimensional ultrasound in visualizing the fetal cranial sutures and fontanels during the second half of pregnancy.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound in visualizing fetal cranial sutures and fontanels and to determine factors that could influence visualization and image quality.

Methods: Serial 3D ultrasound examinations were evaluated for visibility of fetal cranial sutures and fontanels, image quality and possible influencing parameters in the second half of pregnancy. Thirty fetuses were scanned at four different gestational ages providing a data set of 120 cases.