34 Years of Clinical 3D Ultrasound: A Major Step in Prenatal Diagnosis.

Within the last 34 years, three-dimensional (3D) sonography has undergone enormous development in prenatal diagnostics. On the one hand, this concerns transducer technology, and on the other hand, optimization in ultrasound device ergonomics. Advances in computer technology have also made it possible to accelerate the computational steps required for 3D sonography in ultrasound devices. The different 3D display modes that are available today offer enormous additional potential in prenatal diagnostics, especially for the examiner experienced in two-dimensional (2D) sonography. In this way, 2D planes can be controlled in a targeted manner, and unclear or complex structures, as well as axis deviations, can be spatially displayed. Fetal malformations can thus be precisely depicted from different angles or specifically excluded. In particular, surface defects can thus be clearly demonstrated to the parents-to-be. The aim of this publication is to provide an overview of the development and potential of 3D ultrasound technology in prenatal diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]