ABSTRACT
The fetal chest is an area that has received much attention with Three-dimensional (3D) sonography, especially with respect to fetal lung volume measurements. Fetal lung volumes are calculated pre- and post-fetal endotracheal occlusion (FETO) for patient selection and for the determination of procedural impact. The two main areas of utility of volume sonography in the fetal chest are first, fetal lung development and the establishment of volume normograms, and second, utilizing the various 3D modes to enable more precise diagnoses in fetal lung abnormalities. The greatest limitation to using volume sonography in the fetal chest is bone shadowing. This becomes quite challenging beyond 34 weeks of gestation, especially when attempting to calculate fetal lung volumes. In the assessment of fetal lung volume, 3D ultrasound is most useful, especially in cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia pre- and post-FETO.
