A novel technique for visualization of the normal and cleft fetal secondary palate: angled insonation and three-dimensional ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel approach to the visualization of the fetal secondary palate using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound. METHODS: Sonographic examinations were performed in normal fetuses and in one fetus with cleft lip and palate. To avoid acoustic shadowing from the alveolar ridge, the secondary palate was insonated at a 45 degrees angle in the sagittal plane, and 3D ultrasound was used to reconstruct axial and coronal planes. RESULTS: The secondary palate was successfully visualized in 10 of 15 normal fetuses, both in the axial and coronal planes. In the fetus with cleft lip and palate the lesion of the secondary palate was clearly demonstrated, particularly in the coronal plane. CONCLUSION: Angled insonation and 3D ultrasound allow clear visualization of normal and cleft secondary palate.