The Fetus in Three Dimensions: Imaging, Embryology and Fetoscopy

3D sonographic volume imaging has enabled the
practitioner to obtain volumes that can be reconstructed
in any plane after the patient has left the
clinic.
Tremendous advances in high-resolution sonography
have increased our knowledge of normal fetal
development and improved the prenatal diagnosis of a
great number of complex fetal anomalies. Close
follow-up by serial sonography has expanded our
understanding of the natural history of a number of
these disorders.
With 4D techniques, sonography will move from
the artistic to the standard planes of imaging, which
are understandable by many more practitioners.
4D sonography makes it straightforward to comprehend
some morphologic dynamics, such as yawning,
sucking, smiling, crying, and blinking. This offers a
practical means for assessment of neurophysiologic
development, as well as for detection of anatomic
pathology.
Thus, sonography may become less dependent
upon the skill of the operator.
Readers of this atlas should find that the emerging
advantages of 3D sonography have now become a
clinical reality.