Recent Advances in 3D Ultrasound, Silhouette Ultrasound, and Sonoangiogram in Fetal Neurology

Abstract

ABSTRACT New fields of neurosonoembryology and fetal neurology have been established by the remarkable contribution of threedimensional/ four-dimensional (3D/4D) ultrasound technology. A recent evolution in prenatal imaging is HDlive silhouette/flow technology. By HDlive silhouette mode, an inner cystic structure with fluid collection can be depicted through the outer surface structure of the body, and it can be appropriately named “seethrough fashion.” HDlive flow mode adds more spatial resolution to conventional 3D ultrasound angiogram. We have utilized this technology in neuroimaging and investigated its clinical significance. HDlive silhouette imaging demonstrated clear images of ventricular system with outer fetal surface structure in early pregnancy as well as in the middle gestation. Silhouette ultrasound demonstration of a thick slice of 3D volume dataset shows a more concrete inside structure of complicated morphology in specific cases. Silhouette ultrasound can also depict a bony structure; therefore, cranial bones and vertebrae of spina bifida can be detected using this technology. HDlive flow imaging can demonstrate the cerebral vascular structure of fine arteries and veins throughout gestation. By HDlive silhouette and flow imaging, inner cystic as well as noncystic structures can be demonstrated with outer surface. HDlive flow imaging can demonstrate fine peripheral brain vasculature. The degree of gain, threshold, and silhouette or a combination of these makes it possible to create completely different images with different clinical information from a single-volume dataset. This fact expands the flexibility of imaging and demonstration, but at the same time it can create a virtual reality. Although any new technology is not always perfect, HDlive silhouette and flow imaging will greatly contribute to perinatal medicine. How to cite this article Pooh RK. Recent Advances in 3D Ultrasound, Silhouette Ultrasound, and Sonoangiogram in Fetal Neurology. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(2):193-200.