C.‐H. Chang

A new automatic algorithm to extract craniofacial measurements from fetal three‐dimensional volumes

Three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound is useful in the prenatal evaluation of fetal craniofacial structures, particularly as it provides a multiplanar view. However, an expert must designate the area of interest and the appropriate view, making measurement of fetal structures using 3D ultrasound both time‐consuming and subjective. In this study we propose an image analysis system that measures automatically and precisely the fetal craniofacial structures and evaluate its performance in the second trimester of pregnancy using a new 3D volume analysis algorithm.

Reliable Model-based Kinematics Analysis System for Articulated Fingers

The kinematical measurement is regarded as the major indicator of the kinetic functions. In this study, we focused on developing a novel measurement method for kinematics of articulated finger in motion by using biomechanical model prediction and real-time video-based image analysis technique. In contrast to the marker-based system, the proposed 3D model provides more information, appearing on multiple projected 2D images, to estimate more reliable finger kinematics. The proposed method is compact, fast, and can be operated with X-ray fluoroscopy simultaneously. It means that the system provides the capability of synchronous validation between motion video and X-ray fluoroscopy. The proposed system was implemented on a personal computer and can be a new tool in diagnosis and rehabilitation for hand diseases.

EP14.33: Assessment of the blood flow of kidney in growth-restricted fetuses using quantitative three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound

Methods: In the sagittal image of the fetus, in profile (magnification head and torax, like used to measure nuchal translucency), we identified the nostrils by moving the transducer slightly to the side. We placed the sample volume size adjusted in the nostril diameter and start measurement the inspiratory and expiratory flow. Results: Through the calculation of the area under the curve of the flows, we will obtain the inspired and expired volume, and consequently the tidal lung volume. Conclusions: We can create from this technique curves of normality for the tidal lung volume of different gestational ages.

Artefact-reduced kinematics measurement using a geometric finger model with mixture-prior particle filtering.

It is challenging to measure the fingers kinematics of underlying bones in vivo. This paper presents a new method of finger kinematics measurement, using a geometric finger model and several markers deliberately stuck on skin surface. Using a multiple-view camera system, the optimal motion parameters of finger model were estimated using the proposed mixture-prior particle filtering. This prior, consisting of model and marker information, avoids generating improper particles for achieving near real-time performance. This method was validated using a planar fluoroscopy system that worked simultaneously with photographic system. Ten male subjects with asymptomatic hands were investigated in experiments. The results showed that the kinematic parameters could be estimated more accurately by the proposed method than by using only markers. There was 20–40% reduction in skin artefacts achieved for finger flexion/extension. Thus, this profile system can be developed as a tool of reliable kinematics measurement with good applicability for hand rehabilitation.

P08.01: Use of three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasound for the study of upper arm in small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses

Methods: Ten ultrasound images demonstrating CRL measurements taken from routine obstetric ultrasound departments were evaluated by a group of 11 experienced ultrasound practitioners, including the nine Regional Obstetric Ultrasound Screening Coordinators for England. The RAG (red/amber/green) flag system was used to score each image as good (green), acceptable (amber) or poor (red). The main components of the image were identified. The constituent parts of each component were then indentified and defined using objective criteria. The images were then rescored using the agreed criteria and the criteria refined until consensus was reached and the correct RAG flag assigned. A suite of 10 scored images, each with a detailed breakdown of how its score was assigned, was produced and piloted as an audit tool for individuals and a teaching tool for staff teams. Results: Six CRL image components, of magnification, end points, horizontal position, rotation, flexion and calliper placement, are identified. Magnification and horizontal position are both defined by one criterion, end points by four, rotation by five, flexion by four and calliper placement by three criteria. A green flag is scored when all 18 criteria are achieved. Failure to achieve specific combinations scores an amber flag while other specific combinations score a red flag. The sonographer response to the tool is that it is daunting to use initially but once familiar with its principles, it is logical, quick to apply and clinically useful. Conclusions: The CRL image can be broken down into 18 defined criteria that can be used to produce an objective image assessment tool.

P09.17: Detecting fetal growth restriction by humerus volume using three-dimensional ultrasound

conventional 2DUS, 99% considers the former easier to interpret and with more emotional impact. – Maternal attitudes towards 3/4DUS were related to some maternal clinical, social and demographic variables. Conclusions: Most of the women in our study were satisfied with their experiences of 3/4DUS. Maternal attitudes towards 3/4DUS were related to maternal age, educational level, employment, pregnancy plannification, previous adverse perinatal outcome, parity, assisted conception pregnancies, gestational age, invasive prenatal testing and physician’s expertise

P09.13: Clinical application of 3D power Doppler ultrasound in fetal medicine and reproductive biology

Objective: To assess the clinical application of three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound (PDU) in fetal medicine and reproductive biology. Methods: In this project, we evaluated the clinical use of 3D PDU in the following aspects of fetal medicine and reproductive biology. Part I. Fetal medicine: Fetal organ circulation development assessment, including the vascularization and blood flow of (1) fetal brain, (2) fetal liver, and (3) placenta. Part II. Reproductive biology: The difference of ovarian vascularization and blood flow in the following conditions were compared: (1) Pre-, periand post-menopause stages, (2) Before and after hormonal therapy in postmenopausal women, (3) In endometriosis, (4) In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO), (5) In hyper-responders of IVF patients, and (6) In poorresponders of IVF patients. Results: In fetal medicine, our studies using 3D PDU showed that the brain VI (vascularization index), FI (flow index) and VFI (vascularization-flow index) are increasing with gestational age in normal pregnancies. Similarly, the hepatic VI, FI, and VFI are also increasing with gestational age. Furthermore, the placental VI, FI, and VFI are increasing with gestational age. On the other hand, for the six projects of studies in reproductive biology, 3D PDU revealed that all the blood flow indexes (VI, FI and VFI) are significantly different in each group. Conclusions: From our studies, 3D PDU may be a clinically important tool in the clinical application on fetal medicine and reproductive biology.

Fetal renal blood flow assessment by three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasound: preliminary results of a three‐dimensional histogram study

Purpose:u2002 To assess the fetal renal blood flow in normal gestation using three‐dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound.

The assessment of placental blood flow by three‐dimensional color power Doppler ultrasound: preliminary result of a three‐dimensional histogram study

Objective:u2002 To assess the placenta blood flow in normal gestation by three‐dimensional color power Doppler ultrasound.