Prenatal assessment of the normal fetal soft palate by three-dimensional ultrasound examination: is there an objective technique?

Objectives: To describe a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound technique for assessing the fetal soft palate.
Methods: A prospective study conducted from April to December 2006 included 87 fetuses in a low-risk population. Fetal ultrasound scans were performed between 21 and 25 weeks of gestation to determine the normal 3D ultrasound view of the fetal soft tissues of the palate. The sonographers used a 30 degrees-inclined axial 3D view of the fetal palate. Ultrasound images obtained in this view were compared with fetopathological specimens of the same gestational age by two observers, both pediatric surgeons. Each observer indicated whether they thought that the uvula or the velum could be detected, and the differences in responses between the observers were assessed.
Results: The frequencies of detection of the uvula and velum of each observer varied between 80% and 90%. The observers showed a significant difference in judging the visualization of the uvula, but not in judging the velum.
Conclusions: A 30 degrees -inclined axial 3D ultrasound view seems to be effective in assessing the integrity of the fetal soft palate.