Prenatal diagnosis of an isolated incomplete V-shaped cleft palate using a new three-dimensional ultrasound technique investigation

Abstract

The objective of this case report is to evaluate the faculty of a recently described original three-dimensional ultrasound technique to detect pathological processes of the fetal palate. The palate of the fetus of a patient with a personal history of isolated incomplete cleft palate is evaluated by three-dimensional ultrasound at 34 weeks of gestation. The postnatal findings are compared to the prenatal investigation. The used three-dimensional ultrasound technique provides selective visualization of the total hard palate which permits the prenatal diagnosis and multidisciplinary approach of an incomplete cleft palate. These prenatal findings might encourage further studies to confirm the value of this recently described innovative technique in the diagnosis and surgical prenatal counselling of fetal cleft palate.