Evaluation of the fetal palate at 11 to 13 (+6) weeks of gestation based on an analysis of static ultrasound images using modern IT techniques.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a new computer-based technique to isolate the shape of the fetal palate visible in the midsagittal plane from static ultrasound images routinely used to measure nuchal translucency.

METHOD: This is a retrospective interpretation of images of the midsagittal view of the fetal face at 11 to 13 (+6) weeks of gestation in 7 cases of cleft lip and palate (CLP) and 7 normal controls. The images were subjected to pattern analysis.

RESULTS

Proprietary software was applied and for each CLP case, and palatine bones with different forms from those of fetuses in the control group were recorded. In 4 cases, an image of a continuous palatine bone was observed at a threshold of 180, whereas the remaining 3 images were obtained at 128. A continuous palatine bone structure was not observed in any fetus from the CLP group, even at a level of 128, when the surrounding structures were visible.

CONCLUSION

The application of pattern analysis to a 2D frozen image is a new approach for prenatal diagnostics. This technique may be a helpful tool for physicians and could assist in the diagnosis of cleft palate.