Four-dimensional HDlive rendering image of fetal facial expression: a pictorial essay

Abstract

Observation of facial expressions using the 4D HDlive rendering mode is considered to reflect the normal and abnormal neurological development of the fetus. Therefore, the 4D HDlive rendering mode may assist in evaluation of fetal brain function, and offer potential advantages relative to conventional 4D ultrasonography.

Three-dimensional ultrasonography by means of HDlive rendering in the first trimester of pregnancy: A pictorial review

“…Fetal blinking, mouthing, swallowing, yawning, tongue expulsion, and sucking are all fetal activities that have been clearly documented using the HDlive rendering mode. Moreover, various realistic fetal emotional expressions such as smiling-and crying-like movements have also been reported with this technique (45). 3D HDlive in the rendering mode has been applied not only to depict superficial anatomical details but also in cases of multycystic dysplastic kidney disease, where it has been shown that the peripheral circular arrangement of the cysts (the so-called "necklace appearance") seemed to be more clearly understandable than that obtained by conventional 2D sonography (46).…”

HDlive in the Assessment of Fetal Facial Abnormalities

“…[8][9][10] HDlive is superior to conventional 3D ultrasound for the depiction of eye fissures because of its shadowing effect. 13 HDlive may be a useful diagnostic modality for the antenatal evaluation of subtle or minor fetal facial abnormalities, and has the potential to supplement conventional 2D/3D sonography in diagnosing fetal facial abnormalities.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] However, subtle facial abnormalities are still difficult to detect using conventional 3D ultrasound. HDlive is more effective than conventional 3D ultrasound for the observation of normal and abnormal fetal facial anatomies, [8][9][10] because…”

HDlive Study of Fetal Development and Behavior

“…5,11 HDlive observation of the embryo and fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy provides new External genitalia of both a male and female. In the male fetus, the penis, scrotum, and anus can be noted at 26 weeks and 3 days.…”

“…10 Moreover, the observation of facial expressions using HDlive is considered to reflect the normal and abnormal neurologic development of the fetus. 11 Therefore, HDlive may assist in evaluation of the fetal brain function, and offer a potential advantage related to conventional 3D/4D ultrasound. The present paper describes the latest state-of-the-art on HDlive imaging of embryonic and fetal development and fetal neurobehavioral development, and makes recommendations for future research in this field.…”