Three-dimensional color power imaging of the fetal hepatic circulation

Kalache, Karim, Romero, Roberto, Goncalves, Luis F., Chaiworapongsa, Tinnakorn, Espinoza, Jimmy, Schoen, Mary Lou, Treadwell, Marjorie C. and Lee, Wesley (2003) Three-dimensional color power imaging of the fetal hepatic circulation. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 189 (5), 1401-1406. (doi:10.1067/S0002-9378(03)00774-9).

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the use of three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography to identify vascular congenital anomalies of fetal portosystemic and umbilical venous systems.
Study design In a prospective study, the hepatic and umbilical venous systems were examined in 390 fetuses with two-dimensional ultrasonography, color, and spectral Doppler imaging. Fetuses suspected to have anomalies of the portal system and ductus venosus were additionally examined with three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography.
Results Vascular anomalies were identified in 8 fetuses (absent ductus venosus, n = 4; direct connection between the umbilical vein and the right atrium, n = 2; and direct connection between the umbilical vein and the inferior vena cava, n = 2) out of the 310 in which the venous system could be adequately imaged (prevalence = 2.6%). Three-dimensional power Doppler imaging showed the course of the umbilical vein, its relationship to the portosystemic circulation, and whether a ductus venosus was present.
Conclusion Three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography can be used to image normal fetal hepatic and portal circulation, as well as identify anomalies of the fetal portosystemic and umbilical venous systems.

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