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Chapter 1 - Novel 3-D Imaging Techniques in Early Pregnancy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2025

By
Bernadette S. de Bakker
Edited by
Roy G. Farquharson ,
Mary D. Stephenson  and
Mariëtte Goddijn
Roy G. Farquharson
Affiliation:
Liverpool Women’s Hospital
Mary D. Stephenson
Affiliation:
University of Illinois, Chicago
Mariëtte Goddijn
Affiliation:
Amsterdam University Medical Centers
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Summary

This chapter focuses on the advancements in early pregnancy imaging, crucial for gynecologists and midwives in training. It emphasizes the shift in antenatal ultrasound screening to the first trimester, highlighting challenges due to the embryo’s small size and current technological constraints. It underscores the importance of 3D ultrasound and Micro-CT in enhancing embryonic and fetal development visualization, beneficial for both medical research and clinical practice.

Key advancements include the use of 3D-ultrasound for detailed in-vivo imaging from the first trimester, and Micro-CT for high-resolution ex-vivo images, crucial in understanding human embryonic and fetal anatomy. The establishment of the Dutch Fetal Biobank in 2017, which upholds strict ethical standards and donor anonymity, is also discussed for its role in collecting specimens for scientific research.

Future directions explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ultrasound to enhance detection of congenital defects and the use of Synchrotron radiation-based X-ray phase-contrast tomography (sCT) for detailed embryonic and fetal imaging.

In conclusion, the chapter reflects on the significant advancements in imaging, highlighting the ongoing need to integrate innovative methods like AI and micro-CT to deepen our understanding of embryonic development and improve congenital anomaly detection.

Keywords

EmbryologyMicro-CT imaging3D-ultrasoundectopic pregnancyDutch Fetal Biobank
Type
Chapter
Information
Early Pregnancy , pp. 1 - 4
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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References

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Dawood, Y., Buijtendijk, M. F. J., Bohly, D., Gunst, Q. D., Docter, D., Pajkrt, E., et al. Human embryonic and foetal biobanking: a framework for standardisation of procedures. Dev Cell. 2023;58(24):2826–35.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dawood, Y., de Bakker, B. S.. Micro-CT of early human development. Radiology. 2020;297(1):32.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed

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