To 3D or not to 3D? Clinical value of 3D ultrasound in the first trimester

The first commercial 3D ultrasound unit was introduced into clinical practice in 1989.¹ Rapid advancements in ultrasound technology, including improvements in machines, software and transducers, have enabled the acquisition of faster and higher resolution 3D images. These advances have facilitated the storage, manipulation and analysis of 3D volumes, providing valuable assistance in accurate assessments and diagnoses of fetal abnormalities. The thermal indices for 3D and 4D ultrasound are comparable to standard 2D ultrasound,² ensuring safety during its application. The wealth of information stored in 3D volumes allows for the examination of a region of interest in multiple planes,³ enhancing diagnostic capabilities and clinical decision making.

Jayne Lander
Research sonographer, Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford
jayne.lander@wrh.ox.ac.uk

Article reprinted with kind permission from RAD Magazine 2023;49(582):18-19.

Lander J. To 3D or not to 3D? Clinical value of 3D ultrasound in the first trimester. Infant 2024; 20(4): 129-31.

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Keywords

resolution; ultrasound; sonographers; 3D; fetal medical scans; diagnostic

Key points

3D ultrasound technology has rapidly advanced since its introduction in 1989, allowing for faster and higher resolution images.
3D ultrasound is not routinely used by sonographers in the UK.

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