3. Ultrasound diagnosis of the fetus

Haruhiko Sago
Division of Fetal Medicine, Department of Perinatal Medicine and Maternal Care
National Center for Child Health and Development

Abstract
　　The advances in ultrasound technology have enabled us to evaluate a fetus in the womb. Ultrasound diagnosis has become essential for obstetric care. The present and future state of ultrasound diagnosis in perinatal medicine is discussed. Many fetal anomalies can be diagnosed prenatally by the usual 2D mode ultrasound. Nuchal translucency has been introduced to calculate the risk for a fetus with Down syndrome. Measurement of peak flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery is useful to detect fetal anemia. New technologies such as 3D/4D, STIC(Spacio-Temporal Image Correlation) and TUI(Tomographic Ultrasound Imaging) have been used in clinical practice. Ultrasound diagnosis is also essential for fetal therapy. Innovation and appropriate use of ultrasound can promote good perinatal care.

Keywords： Ultrasound, Fetal imaging, Fetal diagnosis, Prenatal diagnosis, Fetal therapy