Counselling impact of three-dimensional imaging in perinatal consultation

ABSTRACTObjective The medical and emotional impact of three-dimensional imaging will be reviewed in the context of perinatal consultation.Methods A literature review on three-dimensional (3D) imaging is compared to our experience with consecutive patients referred for perinatal consultation. High-resolution two-dimensional (2D) scanning and concurrent volume-mode imaging (Aloka 1700) were available for all patients. Informed consent for three-dimensional use was obtained to document patient acceptance. Patients with superficial defects underwent typical surface rendering, with images obtained by mechanical sweep in less than 4 s. Patients with defects requiring internal rendering underwent imaging with a new sectional technique similar to ‘tomogram’ slices. This rapidly produces volume-rendered images in a single plane with unique three-dimensional characteristics. No post-image processing was required, allowing immediate patient feedback. All patients were followed to delivery. Post-delivery neonatal ima...