Quantitative Approaches for Volume Sonography During Pregnancy

As three-dimensional ultrasound imaging technology becomes more widely available, health care providers should understand how software tools can be used to evaluate suspected fetal anomalies. This article summarizes some of the quantitative applications offered by three-dimensional ultrasonography. Volume sonography provides much more than surface and volume-rendered reconstructions of fetal anatomy. Quantitative analysis is now possible by allowing the standardization of distance, angle, area, and volume measurements. Optimal uses of these analytic approaches are emerging as software tools become more sophisticated and as we begin to apply these new capabilities to various clinical problems. Health care providers should be aware of these emerging capabilities and their potential applications.