Our objective was to quantitatively compare maternal reactions to viewing a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound image of the foetal face to a traditional two-dimensional (2D) sonographic image. One hundred and twelve pregnant women were asked to evaluate their excitement, relief, amazement and satisfaction reactions to 2D and 3D ultrasound images of their foetus' face. A weighted kappa Cochran-Armitage trend test, Fisher exact test and generalised estimating equations were used to analyse the data obtained. 3D imaging was found to result in significantly more favourable reactions than 2D imaging of the foetal face. 3D imaging was significantly better than 2D in regard to the clearness of the image, feeling closer to the baby, experiencing amazement and recognising specific facial features. We hypothesised that 3D images might evoke more feelings of fear than 2D, but our analysis found there were no significant differences in this regard. 3D ultrasonography of the foetal face is well received by patients. It has been shown in this study to elicit stronger and more positive maternal reactions regarding excitement, amazement and satisfaction than experienced with 2D ultrasound.

rhinia is defined as the congenital absence of the nose. It is an extremely rare condition, which is usually associated with other craniofacial abnormalities. An extensive literature search revealed that the prenatal diagnosis of this anomaly has only been reported on 1 previous occasion at 29 weeks' gestation, and the diagnosis at birth has been reported only 29 times in the pediatric literature.1-29 To our knowledge, there has not been a previously reported case of congenital arhinia diagnosed during the second trimester. This report describes the 2-and 3-dimensional sonographic appearance of arhinia shown during second-trimester genetic sonography and reviews this exceedingly rare craniofacial defect. Early diagnosis of this defect allows the patient to consider all her options regarding pregnancy management. The detection of arhinia in the second trimester provides evidence that this rare disorder can be diagnosed through appropriate evaluation of craniofacial anatomy on a comprehensive second-trimester sonographic examination.Received August 28, 2006, Case ReportAn 18-year-old woman, gravida 1, para 0, was initially seen by her obstetrician at 8 weeks' gestation. Her medical history was notable for depression treated with escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro; Forest laboratories, St Louis, MO) at 20 mg daily. The medication was begun 3 months before conception. At this first obstetric visit, the patient was advised to taper her medication to 10 mg for 1 week, then to 5 mg for an additional week, and then to discontinue use of the medication. Subsequently, a firsttrimester sonographic examination and genetic consultation because of the medication use were performed at 9 weeks' gestation. The sonogram revealed a single, viable intrauterine pregnancy with fetal measurements appropriate for gestational age.