Sonographic demonstration of the sulci and gyri on the convex surface in normal fetuses using 3D-ICRV rendering technology

Abstract

Purpose To demonstrate morphological alteration of the sulci and gyri on the convex surface in normal fetuses using innovative three-dimensional inversion and Crystalvue and Realisticvue (3D-ICRV) rendering technology.

Materials and Methods 3D fetal brain volumes were collected from low-risk singleton pregnancies between 15+0 and 35+6 gestational weeks. Volumes were acquired from the transthalamic axial plane by transabdominal ultrasonography and were then post-processed with Crystalvue, Realisticvue rendering software and inversion mode. Volume quality was assessed. The anatomic definition of the sulci and gyri was determined according to location and orientation. The morphology alteration and sulcus display rates were recorded in sequential order of gestational weeks. Follow-up data were collected in all cases.

Results 294 of 300 fetuses (294 brain volumes) (98%) with qualified fetal brain volumes were included (n=294, median 27 gestational weeks). 6 fetuses with unsatisfactory 3D-ICRV image quality were excluded. The morphology of the sulci and gyri on the brain convex surface could be demonstrated clearly on 3D-ICRV images. The Sylvian fissure was the first structure to be recognized. From 25 to 30 weeks, other sulci and gyri became visible. An ascending trend in the display rate of the sulci was found in this period. Follow-up showed no detectable anomalies.

Conclusion 3D-ICRV rendering technology is different from traditional 3D ultrasound. It can provide vivid and intuitive prenatal visualization of the sulci and gyri on the brain surface. Moreover, it may offer new ideas for neurodevelopment exploration.

Zusammenfassung

Ziel Demonstration der morphologischen Veränderung der Sulci und Gyri auf der konvexen Oberfläche bei normalen Feten mittels innovativer dreidimensionaler Inversion und der Technologien „Crystalvue“ und „Realisticvue (3D-ICRV) Rendering“.

Material und Methoden 3D-Volumina des fetalen Gehirns wurden bei Einlingsschwangerschaften mit geringem Risiko zwischen den Schwangerschaftswochen 15+0 und 35+6 erhoben. Die Volumina wurden aus der transthalamischen Axialebene mittels transabdominaler Sonografie erfasst und anschließend mit Crystalvue, der Realisticvue-Rendering-Software und dem Inversionsmodus nachbearbeitet. Die Volumenqualität wurde bewertet. Die Sulci und Gyri wurden anhand ihrer Lage und Ausrichtung anatomisch definiert. Die morphologischen Veränderungen und die Darstellungsraten der Sulci wurden aufeinanderfolgend nach Schwangerschaftswochen aufgezeichnet. In allen Fällen wurden Follow-up-Daten erhoben.

Ergebnisse 294 von 300 Feten (294 Gehirnvolumina; 98%) mit qualifizierten fetalen Gehirnvolumina wurden eingeschlossen (n=294, Median 27 Schwangerschaftswochen). Sechs Feten mit unbefriedigender 3D-ICRV-Bildqualität wurden ausgeschlossen. Die Morphologie der Sulci und Gyri auf der konvexen Oberfläche des Gehirns konnte auf 3D-ICRV-Bildern deutlich dargestellt werden. Die Sylvische Furche war die erste Struktur, die erkannt wurde. Ab der 25.–30. Woche wurden weitere Sulci und Gyri sichtbar. In diesem Zeitraum zeigte sich ein steigender Trend in der Darstellungsrate der Sulci. Im Follow-up ergaben sich keine erkennbaren Anomalien.

Schlussfolgerung Die 3D-ICRV-Rendering-Technologie unterscheidet sich vom herkömmlichen 3D-Ultraschall. Sie ermöglicht eine anschauliche und intuitive pränatale Visualisierung der Sulci und Gyri auf der Hirnoberfläche. Außerdem kann sie neue Impulse für die Erforschung der neurologischen Entwicklung geben.

Keywords

Cortex development - three-dimensional ultrasound - Inversion mode - Crystalvue - Realisticvue

Publication History

Received: 07 April 2022

Accepted after revision: 04 July 2023

Accepted Manuscript online:
04 July 2023

Article published online:
04 December 2023

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