Application and Analysis of Imaging Characteristics of Four-Dimensional Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Fetal Cleft Lip and Palate

Abstract

Objective: In this paper, four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound scanning technology and level-set-based image segmentation algorithm are used to diagnose fetal cleft lip and palate to improve the detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of fetal cleft lip and palate cleft. Methods: Fifty-six fetuses were collected, and their type-B ultrasonic examination was cleft lip and palate. Also, they were identified as cleft lip and palate deformities after delivery or induced labor. Two-dimensional (2D) and 4D ultrasound scans were performed, and an ultrasound image of the fetal face was obtained using a level set image segmentation algorithm. The characteristics of 2D and 4D ultrasound images of cleft lip and palate fetuses were compared and analyzed. After the postpartum results, the comparison and analysis of the detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of fetal cleft lip and palate with 2D and 4D ultrasound were performed. Results: (1) The level set image segmentation algorithm can obtain a clear fetal facial image; (2) Fetal cleft lip and palate 2D and 4D have different imaging performances, and 4D imaging characteristics are more prominent and easier to distinguish; (3) The accuracy rate of 4D ultrasound for simple cleft lip is 100%, and that of 2D is 88.2%. The accuracy rate of 4D for cleft lip with complete cleft palate is 77.8%, and that of 2D is 69.4%. The detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of fetal cleft lip and palate in 4D ultrasound are higher. Conclusion: The level set image segmentation algorithm can well achieve the segmentation of the fetal face and improve the accuracy of ultrasound diagnosis. 4D ultrasound has good application value in the diagnosis of fetal cleft lip and palate, but the accuracy rate is less than 100%. Therefore, further research is needed to improve its accuracy rate.