First Trimester Scan by 3D, 3D HDlive and HDlive Silhouette/Flow Ultrasound Imaging

Both three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound have improved our knowledge regarding the develop ment of the embryo and fetus and of a great number of fetal anomalies. The great achievement in the field of 3D/4D ultrasound is HDlive technology. This technology is a novel ultrasound technique that improves the 3D/4D images. Furthermore, recent advanced 3D technology has produced exciting new applications of HDlive silhouette and HDlive flow. The algorithm of HDlive silhouette creates a gradient at organ boundaries where an abrupt change of the acoustic impedance exists within tissues. 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 as ‘see-through fashion’. Close observation of small embryos and fetuses by advanced 3D technology in early gestation allows us to make diagnoses of various abnormalities. Novel imaging techniques are illustrated in the definition of normal embryonic anatomy as well as in the identification of many of congenital anomalies. Prenatal ultrasound has established sonoembryology and neurosonology, and advnanced HDlive and HDlive silhouette and flow imaging added further clinical significance to conventional 3D/4D imaging in those fields. They allow extending the detection of anatomical congenital anomalies to an earlier gestational age, and it is beyond description that noninvasive viewing of the embryo/fetus by all—inclusive ultrasound technology is definitely the first modality in a field of prenatal diagnosis, and help our goal of proper perinatal care and management.