Application of Lung Volume Measurement by Three‐dimensional Ultrasonography for Clinical Assessment of Fetal Lung Development

Abstract

This analytical method may be applied to evaluate lung development.

Comparison of the two-dimensional and multiplanar methods and establishment of a new constant for the measurement of fetal lung volume

“…A prenatal test for the detection of PH is highly recommended in obstetrics, due to the high mortality rates [3]. As neonates with non-lethal PH require intensive respiratory therapy immediately after delivery, an accurate prenatal diagnosis is important [26]. In this study, we chose the separate measurement of the volume of the fetal lungs, the technique chosen by most authors [13,23,26,27].…”

“…As neonates with non-lethal PH require intensive respiratory therapy immediately after delivery, an accurate prenatal diagnosis is important [26]. In this study, we chose the separate measurement of the volume of the fetal lungs, the technique chosen by most authors [13,23,26,27]. Preliminary studies obtained fetal lung volume by subtracting heart volume from thoracic volume [11,12].…”

Three-dimensional Sonography in the Assessment of Normal Fetal Anatomy in Late Pregnancy

“…[62][63][64] Of special interest are measurements of the fetal lung volumes in order to confirm or exclude fetal lung hypoplasia or immaturity. 65 Three-dimensional US enables more sophisticated volume measurements of the irregularly shaped organs. 50,51 Lung and hepatic volume normograms have been published, showing that the volume of these organs increases with gestational age and weight.…”

“…50,51 Lung and hepatic volume normograms have been published, showing that the volume of these organs increases with gestational age and weight. [63][64][65] After upper abdominal circumference, the best prediction of fetal growth restriction is the hepatic volume. 66 Therefore, hepatic volume may become a new useful parameter in the assessment of fetal growth.…”

Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia with Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation: Fetal Pulmonary Artery Size Predicts Lung Viability in the Presence of Small Lung Volumes

“…Fetal echocardiography can accurately measure right atrial enlargement, which is associated with a poor prognosis in the fetus with tricuspid valve disease [5] . In fetuses at risk of lung hypoplasia, fetal lung volumetric assessments have been described using ultrasonogram [6,7] as well as prenatal MRI [8][9][10][11] of the pregnant mother. The ability to predict adequate lung development and relative maturity of the pulmonary vasculature in the presence of severe cardiomegaly in early gestation with reduced lung volumes would allow appropriate planning and peri-partum management of the neonate and transition to a stable spontaneous circulation.…”