Assessment of fetal lung volumes using three-dimensional ultrasonography

Abstract

Objective To build a nomogram of normal fetal lung volumes (left,right and total)throughout gestational age estimated by 3-dimensional ultrasonography.Methods Left and right lung volumes were assessed in 324 normal and singleton fetuses of gestational age 16-37 weeks by 3-dimensional ultrasonography using the technique of virtual organ computer-aided analysis(VOCAL) at a rotational step of 30 degrees.The relationships between left,right,and total lung volumes,and gestational age were assessed by correlation and regression analysis.Results The right,left,and total lung volumes were highly correlated with gestational age (P＜0.001),and the correlation coefficient was 0.966,0.973 and 0.990respectively.The best-fit exponential curve regression equations of left lung volume was:y=0.207exp~(0.143X);right lung volume was:y=0.301 exp~(0.14X);total lung volume was:y=0.508 exp~(0.142X).Conclusions A nomogram of fetal lung volumes estimated by 3-dimensional ultrasonography from 16 to 37weeks gestation is described,and reference values may be useful for the prenatal prediction of pulmonary hypoplasia. Key words: Ultrasonography; three-dimensional; Fetal; Lung volume