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3D Ultrasound Evaluation of the Fetal Ear - Comparison of an xMatrix Probe with a Conventional Mechanical Probe.

Purpose New 3 D technologies like xMatrix probes promise superiority over conventional mechanical probes and may allow a more detailed and time-saving prenatal diagnosis. In a comparison study we evaluate fetal ears. The aim of our study was to compare the following aspects of both techniques: (1) ultrasound detail resolution, (2) raw data acquisition time (AT) and (3) influence of covariates. Materials and Methods 3 D raw data volumes of the fetal ear were collected with the V6 - 2 (V6) and with the xMatrix (X6) probe and were stored after offline customization to a single picture. Two observers scored these images independently. Furthermore, the 3 D raw data acquisition time (AT) was recorded. Concordance between observers, maternal age, body mass index (BMI), weeks of gestation and location of the placenta were evaluated. Results Data volumes of 103 patients were analyzed. The X6 detected anatomic structures like the scapha (p = 0.0146), fossa triangularis (p = 0.0075) and cymba conchae (p = 0.0025) more often. The mean AT of the X6 was shorter compared to the V6 (p < 0.0001). A placenta location in the scanning field increased the AT only for the V6 (p < 0.01). Concordance between observers was higher for the X6 in most cases. Detailed structures were less visible at the end of pregnancy for both devices. Conclusion The comparison study demonstrated clear advantages of the new xMatrix technology concerning an advanced and fast examination of detailed structures like the fetal ear. The importance of 3 D assessment in cases of fetal ear anomaly should be proven in further studies.