A preliminary clinical study of three-dimensional ultrasonography in prenatal diagnosis.

To evaluate the clinical value of three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) in prenatal diagnosis, 134 pregnant women with high-risk factors in second and third trimester were examined by 3DUS. The results showed that 3DUS could provide more diagnostic information, exclude the abnormalities and enhance the confidence level of physician in 102 normal pregnant women. 3DUS was helpful in the diagnosis in 17 (60.7%) of 28 cases of fetal anomalies. However, 3DUS was not useful in evaluating intrauterine growth retardation in 4 cases. It is concluded that 3DUS is helpful in prenatal diagnosis.