What Fetal Abnormalities Can Be Detected by 4D Color Ultrasound?

Mar 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, four-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound can help detect fetal facial deformities, nervous system abnormalities, cardiac defects, limb malformations, and internal organ abnormalities, thereby ensuring fetal health. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Pregnant women should maintain a positive and optimistic mindset, follow a balanced diet, engage in appropriate physical activity, and undergo regular prenatal examinations.

Under normal circumstances, four-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound can help ensure fetal health by detecting fetal facial malformations, neurological abnormalities, cardiac defects, limb deformities, and visceral organ abnormalities. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed analyses are as follows:

1. Fetal Facial Malformations: Four-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound clearly displays the fetal facial structure, helping to detect facial abnormalities such as cleft lip and cleft palate, enabling timely identification and evaluation of these anomalies.

2. Neurological Abnormalities: Fetal brain and spinal cord development can be observed via four-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound, facilitating early detection of severe neurological abnormalities such as anencephaly and spina bifida.

3. Cardiac Defects: Four-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound allows detailed examination of fetal cardiac structure and function, identifying congenital heart diseases such as ventricular septal defect and ventricular outflow tract obstruction, thus providing a basis for early diagnosis and treatment.

4. Limb Malformations: Four-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound comprehensively observes fetal limb development, including the number and morphology of fingers and toes, as well as the presence of limb shortening, polydactyly, and other deformities.

5. Visceral Organ Abnormalities: Four-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound provides detailed imaging of fetal visceral organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract, helping to identify issues such as abnormal organ positioning, cysts, and tumors.

Pregnant women should maintain a positive and optimistic mindset, follow a balanced diet, engage in moderate exercise, undergo regular prenatal checkups, and follow professional medical advice to ensure the health of both mother and baby.

References

[1] Pang Tingdan. Diagnostic Efficacy of Four-Dimensional Color Doppler Ultrasound Combined with Fetal NT Value in Detecting Fetal Malformations During Mid-Pregnancy [J]. Heilongjiang Medicine Journal, 2025, 38(01): 190-192.

[2] Chen Liya. Application of Four-Dimensional Color Doppler Ultrasound Versus Two-Dimensional Ultrasound in Screening for Fetal Malformations During Mid-Pregnancy [J]. Modern Medical Imaging, 2024, 33(07): 1343-1345.

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