First trimester fetal proportion volumetric measurements using a Virtual Reality approach

OBJECTIVE: To establish feasibility and reproducibility of fetal proportion volumetric measurements, using three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound and a Virtual Reality (VR) system. METHODS: Within a population‐based prospective birth cohort, 3D ultrasound datasets of 50 fetuses in the late first trimester were collected by three ultrasonographers in a single research center. V‐scope software was used for volumetric measurements of total fetus, extremities, head‐trunk, head, trunk, thorax, and abdomen. All measurements were performed independently by two researchers. Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility were analyzed using Bland and Altman methods. RESULTS: Intraobserver and interobserver analyses of volumetric measurements of total fetus, head‐trunk, head, trunk, thorax and abdomen showed intraclass correlation coefficients above 0.979, coefficients of variation below 7.51% and mean difference below 3.44%. The interobserver limits of agreement were within the ±10% range for volumetric measurements of total fetus, head–trunk, head and trunk. The interobserver limits of agreement for extremities, thorax and abdomen were −26.09% to 4.77%, −14.14% to 10.00% and −14.47% to 8.83%, respectively. CONCLUSION: First trimester fetal proportion volumetric measurements using 3D ultrasound and VR are feasible and reproducible, except volumetric measurements of the fetal extremities. These novel volumetric measurements may be used in future research to enable detailed studies on first trimester fetal development and growth.