Fetal Anatomy by Three-Dimensional Ultrasound
![]() |
The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details. |
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00340002 |
Recruitment Status :
Completed
First Posted : June 21, 2006
Last Update Posted : January 26, 2023
|
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
A major goal of perinatal care is to accurately diagnose fetal anomalies prior to birth. This capability allows clinicians to make prudent decisions regarding antepartum care, delivery site, and postnatal therapy. Three-dimensional ultrasound is a recent technology that provides a new way to evaluate the fetus. This technique allows one to scan through a digital ultrasound volume dataset, visualize organs from different perspectives, measure volumes, and render anatomical features through computer processing. However, the accurate characterization of fetal anomalies by this technique must be interpreted in relation to normal fetal anatomy at different stages of pregnancy.
We are continuing to develop an image reference library of fetal anatomy by identifying key diagnostic features by three-dimensional ultrasound. A cross-sectional observational study of up to 1,400 fetuses will catalog a broad spectrum of congenital malformations at various gestational ages. The protocol will include up to 400 examples of normal fetal anatomy by three-dimensional ultrasonography.
All cases will be placed into a digital image database. For each anomaly category, volume reconstructions will be compared to normal anatomy at specific gestational ages. Key diagnostic findings will be documented and correlated with postnatal outcome. We anticipate that our results will permit improved diagnostic interpretation of congenital defects throughout pregnancy....
Condition or disease |
---|
Preterm Birth Pregnancy Fetal Growth Abnormalities |
A major goal of perinatal care is to accurately diagnose fetal anomalies prior to birth. This capability allows clinicians to make prudent decisions regarding antepartum care, delivery site, and postnatal therapy. Three-dimensional ultrasound is a recent technology that provides a new way to evaluate the fetus. This technique allows one to scan through a digital ultrasound volume dataset, visualize organs from different perspectives, measure volumes, and render anatomical features through computer processing. However, the accurate characterization of fetal anomalies by this technique must be interpreted in relation to normal fetal anatomy at different stages of pregnancy.
We are continuing to develop an image reference library of fetal anatomy by identifying key diagnostic features by three-dimensional ultrasound. A cross-sectional observational study of up to 7,000 fetuses will catalog a broad spectrum of congenital malformations at various gestational ages. A subset of the fetuses enrolled in this protocol will also be examined by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to identify potential advantages and limitations of this imaging modality when compared to 3DUS for the diagnosis of congenital anomalies. The protocol will include up to 400 examples of normal fetal anatomy by three-dimensional ultrasonography.
All cases will be placed into a digital image database. For each anomaly category, volume data will be acquired at specific gestational ages. Key diagnostic features will be documented and correlated with postnatal outcome. Postnatal correlative studies may include ultrasound, MRI, X-ray, computerized tomography (CT), and photography. We anticipate that our results will permit improved diagnostic interpretation of congenital defects throughout pregnancy.
Study Type : | Observational |
Actual Enrollment : | 3650 participants |
Observational Model: | Cohort |
Time Perspective: | Prospective |
Official Title: | Fetal Anatomy by Three-Dimensional Ultrasound |
Study Start Date : | November 26, 1997 |

Group/Cohort |
---|
Pregnant women
Pregnant women aged 18 years and older
|
- Fetal Anatomy [ Time Frame: Ongoing ]Data analysis is ongoing

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
Ages Eligible for Study: | 18 Years and older (Adult, Older Adult) |
Sexes Eligible for Study: | Female |
Accepts Healthy Volunteers: | No |
Sampling Method: | Non-Probability Sample |
- INCLUSION CRITERIA:
All pregnant subjects will be recruited under informed consent at either Hutzel or William Beaumont Hospitals.
The study population for both arms of this protocol will involve pregnant women greater than or equal to 15 years.
CROSS-SECTIONAL ARM OF PROTOCOL - NORMAL FETUS SUBJECTS:
3DUS STUDIES:
No fetal anomalies suspected by 2DUS.
Excellent visualization of normal fetal anatomy by 2DUS.
Accurate dating criteria by 1st trimester scan and/or menstrual history.
FETAL MRI STUDIES:
Gestational age between 18-42 menstrual weeks.
No known fetal abnormalities.
CROSS-SECTIONAL ARM OF PROTOCOL - ABNORMAL FETUSES:
3DUS STUDIES:
Congenital anomaly suspected by 2DUS.
Accurate dating criteria by 1st trimester scan and/or menstrual history.
FETAL MRI STUDIES:
Gestational age between 18-42 menstrual weeks.
Suspected fetal abnormalities.
POSTMORTEM STUDIES:
Suspected fetal abnormalities by prenatal ultrasound.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
CROSS-SECTIONAL ARM OF PROTOCOL - NORMAL FETUS SUBJECTS:
3DUS STUDIES:
Poor visualization of the fetus due to technical factors (e.g. obesity, surgical scar).
History of noncompliance with prenatal visits with the current or prior pregnancy.
FETAL MRI STUDIES:
Inability of the patient to fit in bore of MRI system.
Metallic implants that would increase risk to patient.
Previous occupational exposure to metal shop.
History of claustrophobia.
CROSS-SECTIONAL ARM OF PROTOCOL - ABNORMAL FETUSES:
3DUS STUDIES:
Poor fetal visualization from technical factors (e.g. obesity or decreased amniotic fluid).
FETAL MRI STUDIES:
Inability of the patient to fit in bore of MRI system.
Metallic implants that would increase risk to patient.
Previous occupational exposure to metal shop.
History of claustrophobia.
POSTMORTEM STUDIES:
Refusal to sign informed consent for postmortem imaging studies.

To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT00340002
United States, Michigan | |
Hutzel Women's Hospital | |
Detroit, Michigan, United States, 48201 | |
William Beaumont Hospital | |
Royal Oak, Michigan, United States |
Principal Investigator: | Roberto Romero, M.D. | Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) |
Responsible Party: | Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) |
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT00340002 |
Other Study ID Numbers: |
999997065 OH97-CH-N065 |
First Posted: | June 21, 2006 Key Record Dates |
Last Update Posted: | January 26, 2023 |
Last Verified: | July 18, 2022 |
Fetal Anatomy Pregnancy Prenatal Diagnosis Natural History |
Premature Birth Obstetric Labor, Premature Obstetric Labor Complications Pregnancy Complications |