First‐trimester ultrasound images using HDlive

Abstract

The image on the cover of this month's Journal shows a 7-week embryo obtained using a Voluson E8 (GE Medical Systems, Zipf, Austria) ultrasound machine equipped with a new surface render mode, ‘HDlive’ (Figure 1). Figure 2 shows another case at 10 weeks, obtained using the same technique. The HDlive system uses an adjustable light source, giving the operator the opportunity to create lighting and shadowing effects and thereby increasing depth perception. In both images it is clear to see that this capacity to adjust lighting, combined with use of new skin-like colors, gives the fetus a natural and anatomically realistic appearance. Three-dimensional HDlive rendered image showing a cross-section through a gestational sac with a 7-week embryo (crown–rump length, 12 mm) visible inside the amniotic cavity. The patient was a 33-year-old primigravida, who was referred for ultrasound due to lower abdominal pain. Three-dimensional HDlive rendered image showing a 10-week fetus with crown–rump length of 35 mm. The patient was a 30-year-old primigravida, who presented with vaginal bleeding.