ABSTRACT
Objective To assess the application value of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound in visualizing fetal cranial sutures and fontanels. Methods One hundred women at different pregnant ages (16-19~+ weeks, 20-24~+ weeks, 25-29~+ weeks, 30-34~+ weeks, respectively) underwent 3D ultrasound, in order to observe the cranial sutures and fontanels of fetuses. Results ①Most cranial sutures and fontanels (70.00%-98.00%) could be visualized with 3D ultrasound. However, the sagittal suture revealed a lower displaying rate (53.00%) than others. ②At different pregnant ages, there was no significant difference of displaying rate of the metopic, coronal, squamoal sutures and the sphenoid, mastoid fontanels between fetuses and there was significant difference of displaying rate of the anterior and post fontanels, sagittal and lambdoid sutures. Conclusion 3D ultrasound can be used as an effective method for visualizing fetal cranial sutures and fontanels.