3D VASCULAR IMAGING OF A FETAL ANEURYSM IN THE VEIN OF GALEN

Problemstellung: A vein of Galen aneurysm is a rare malformation of cerebral veins with numerous pathological arteriovenous anastomoses. Prenatal prognosis is characterised by cerebral and cardiac complications such as cerebral ischemia, hemorrhage or cardiac decompensation as a result of an increased heart volume. Imaging of blood flow with color Doppler sonography is an established method in prenatal medicine. An example of such technology is Advanced Dynamic Flow (ADF).

Methoden: Case report: A fetal aneurysm in the vein of Galen was first diagnosed in the 32nd week of gestation. ADF technology provided for excellent imaging of this new vascular structure. We used a Toshiba Aplio 80 ultrasound machine for 3D reconstruction based on ADF technology.

Ergebnisse: The 3D imaging allowed the detection of the in- and outflow vessels of the vascular tumor. In contrast to conventional color Doppler ADF showed less blooming artefacts and provides good delineation.

Schlussfolgerungen: ADF technology represents a novel method for vascular imaging of B-mode quality. It has a high resolution, provides good lateral delineation and high sensitivity, which is of paramount importance for prenatal ultrasound diagnosis. The combination of vascular imaging techniques, such as ADF, with 3D reconstruction allows a better visualisation of anatomical structures compared to a 2D image.