Assessment of Diagnostic Value of 4D Ultrasound in Evaluation of Congenital Fetal Abdominal and Genitourinary Anomalies

Background: The utilization of three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound technology offers supplementary capabilities, such as multiplanar mode, tomographic mode, and surface rendering mode. These additional functionalities contribute to the precise identification and diagnosis of fetal congenital abnormalities. The aim of this was to determine the accuracy of 4D sonography in assessing the congenital fetal abdominal and genito-urinary anomalies of second and third trimesters in high-risk females, compared to the two-dimensional (2D) sonography.

Methods: The study was carried out on 50 high-risk pregnant women from 20 to 36 weeks with suspected congenital abdominal and genito-urinary anomalies by 2D US and then by 4D US. Data collected from both modalities were evaluated separately using a four-point “Likert scale”. The diagnosis was confirmed by postnatal follow-up.

Results: 4D US reported a statistically significant difference in the accuracy/diagnostic confidence in the detection of abdominal & genito-urinary anomalies and in detection of associated fetal congenital anomalies in other body systems as compared to 2D US.

Conclusions: 4D US is a valuable adjunct to 2D US owing to its ability to improve the diagnostic capability of fetal congenital anomalies by offering additional anatomical information through its different display modes.