Researchers from The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have performed real-time functional cardiac MRI in fetuses. Theirs is the first report of this technique, which may represent an advance over the current gold standard of fetal echocardiography.
Keepsake ultrasound, which has rapidly become a buzzword in the U.S., refers to the provision of nonmedical fetal videos and prenatal portraits to pregnant women and their families. Companies such as 3DbabyVu, Peek-A-Boo Baby, and Womb With a View are using seductive marketing slogans such as "Fruit of the womb" and "Mommy tummy tours, we believe in love at first sight."
Philips has released a package of enhancements and new system configurations for its ultrasound portfolio. The upgrades, known collectively as Vision 2005, include new capabilities for the company’s latest radiology and cardiology platforms.
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine has updated its policy on fetal ultrasound studies performed without medical indications. Though the revised statement still targets keepsake imaging entrepreneurs, the new language looks at potential ethical violations by accredited ultrasound practitioners as well, according to AIUM officials.
Although ultrasound remains the method of choice for fetal screening and follow-up, MRI is emerging as a valuable tool in certain cases of potential congenital abnormality. Used safely and in appropriate circumstances by trained radiology staff, fetal MRI can add weight to critical diagnostic decisions, according to speakers at the European Congress of Radiology in March.
A growing number of private enterprises are using ultrasound to provide nonmedical fetal "keepsake" videos and/or prenatal portraits to pregnant women and their families. Eye-catching names such as 3DBabyVu, Fetal Fotos, Peek-A-Boo Baby, and Womb With a View are popping up in shopping centers across the country.
Vasa previa, a condition that affects approximately one in 2500 pregnancies, is almost always lethal. Adding vasa previa screening to current obstetrical ultrasound protocols could prevent mortality, according to an international group of researchers from Israel, the U.K., and the U.S. Their study was presented at the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine meeting in June.
Faster MR scans are overcoming the weaknesses of past efforts to use this modality for fetal imaging. Advances in speed and resolution are apparent in mapping the fetal brain.
Cedara Software of Toronto has come up with a package that quickly renders 3D fetal views. The software is designed to allow sonographers to view 3D renderings as part of their usual workflow routine through the use of image acquisition and rendering
While three-dimensional ultrasound is not yet as fast as two-dimensionalimaging, reconstructed 3-D images may provide diagnostic informationthat standard scanning techniques cannot provide, according toRalph Ranalli, product manager for Philips
