Benefits of a systematic approach in the evaluation of fetal facial 3-dimensional volumes.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of using a systematic approach to teach maternal-fetal medicine physicians how to display a diagnostic fetal profile and palate using 3-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS).

METHODS

Ten maternal-fetal medicine physicians were randomly assigned to 2 groups, A and B, and instructed on basic principles of 3DUS volume manipulation. Physicians in group A were asked to display the fetal profile in 5 volumes, including 1 fetus with abnormalities. Physicians in Group B were asked to display the fetal profile in the same 5 volumes after detailed instruction. The groups were combined, and detailed instruction was repeated. The physicians were asked to review an additional 5 volumes. In a separate session, the physicians were divided into their respective groups, and a similar exercise was repeated. This time, they were asked to display the fetal palate in 3-orthogonal-plane and parallel-plane images. The time required for manipulation was recorded. Images were reviewed for accuracy and clinical utility by 2 blinded experienced sonologists. Data were analyzed with mixed effects models.

RESULTS

Fetal profile and parallel-plane palate scores were significantly higher in group B (P < .001) compared to group A. There was no difference between groups in displaying the 3-orthogonal-plane image of the palate or after additional training for either group. The mean times for display did not differ between the groups. The time required for evaluation of the abnormal profiles was longer (P = .02) than that for evaluation of the normal profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

Detailed instruction in obtaining 3DUS images of fetal profiles and palates improved the image quality obtained by physicians. Teaching physicians in a standardized way may help improve the use of 3DUS in clinical practice.