Three-dimensional inversion rendering in the first- and early second-trimester fetal brain: its use in holoprosencephaly.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the feasibility and added value of three-dimensional (3D) inversion rendering of the developing embryonic/fetal ventricular system, and to apply this display technique to enhance the sonographic examination of holoprosencephaly.

METHODS

3D volumes of the embryonic/fetal brain were acquired from four normal fetuses at 8-11 postmenstrual weeks, and four fetuses diagnosed with holoprosencephaly between 9 and 14 postmenstrual weeks. The volumes were then analyzed offline to obtain inversion rendered 3D shapes of the ventricular systems.

RESULTS

All inversion rendering displays were successful and provided the opportunity to study normal as well as pathological aspects of the early fetal brain.

CONCLUSIONS

Inversion rendering of early fetal brain ventricles is feasible and should be attempted if additional information about the early normal or pathological fetal brain is needed. It may have scientific value in embryologic or genetic studies.