Volumetric Imaging of the Fetal Heart

Volumetric imaging of the fetal heart can be accomplished with a variety of commercially available ultrasonographic equipment. The modality is increasingly used in clinical practice, either to help solve difficult cases or to gain a different perspective on anomalies seen by conventional two-dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS). After completing this activity, the participant will:

• review commonly used terminology for volumetric imaging of the fetal heart;

• gain an understanding of currently available transducer technologies;

• review common pitfalls involved in volume dataset acquisition;

• review methods commonly used to display volumetric images of the fetal heart;

• recognize examples of common cardiac anomalies as depicted by volumetric imaging

• adopt a practical approach to scanning the fetal heart using volumetric imaging;

• utilize this technology's applicability to clinical practice, its potential role in telemedicine, and the published data on the accuracy of volumetric imaging to diagnose congenital heart disease (CDH).

• Physicians, sonographers, and others who perform and/or interpret obstetrical ultrasound.