Early Prenatal Diagnosis of Orofacial Clefts: Evaluation of the Retronasal Triangle Using a New Three-Dimensional Reslicing Technique

Background: The role of three-dimensional ultrasound in the prenatal diagnosis of orofacial clefts is increasing in recent time. Materials and Methods: We obtained three-dimensional data sets of the fetal face from 100 low-risk and 50 high-risk first-trimester fetuses to evaluate the offline reformatting accuracy of the retronasal triangle (RNT) using a novel reslicing technique. Results: Adequate volume data sets for offline analysis were captured in 98% of cases. The RNT view was reformatted in 96% of cases by offline analysis. The secondary palate could be assessed in 93% by offline analysis and an abnormal RNT in the coronal plane was detected in 2 cases of lethal aneuploidy. The false-positive rate was 1.33% in the two studied groups. Conclusion: Abnormal RNT seems to be a valuable ultrasound marker for the early diagnosis of facial clefting. This novel reslicing technique has proven to be easy, fast and accurate, which suggest that this technology could be included in daily practice and integrated with other applications such as multiplanar mode and volume NT. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these promising results and to demonstrate if these diagnostic armamentarium tools will lead to a diagnostic enhancement of cleft lip and palate in early pregnancy. Copyright (C) 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel