Volumetric Imaging of the Fetal Heart

Volumetric imaging of the fetal heart can be accomplished with a variety of commercially available ultrasonographic equipment. The modality is increasingly used in clinical practice, either to help solve difficult cases or to gain a different perspective on anomalies seen by conventional two-dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS). The objectives of this CME activity are:

• review commonly used terminology for volumetric imaging of the fetal heart;
• gain an understanding of currently available transducer technologies;
• review common pitfalls involved in volume dataset acquisition;
• review methods commonly used to display volumetric images of the fetal heart;
• recognize examples of common cardiac anomalies as depicted by volumetric imaging
• adopt a practical approach to scanning the fetal heart using volumetric imaging;
• utilize this technology's applicability to clinical practice, its potential role in telemedicine, and the published data on the accuracy of volumetric imaging to diagnose congenital heart disease (CDH).

Physicians, sonographers and others who perform and/or interpret obstetrical ultrasound.

The Institute for Advanced Medical Education is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Institute for Advanced Medical Education designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

These credits are accepted by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

For information on applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity, please consult your professional licensing board or other credentialing organization.

Luis F. Goncalves, MD

Professor of Radiology and Obstetrics and Gynecology
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Royal Oak, MI and Rochester MI

In compliance with the Essentials and Standards of the ACCME, the author of this CME tutorial is required to disclose any significant financial or other relationships they may have with commercial interests.

Dr. Luis F. Goncalves discloses a relationship with GE Healthcare and with Philips Healthcare as a member of their speakers bureaus.

No one at IAME who had control over the planning or content of this activity has relationships with commercial interests.