Can Down syndrome be detected through four-dimensional ultrasound?

     Children with Down syndrome refer to those with Down syndrome, while "four-dimensional" refers to four-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound. Four-dimensional ultrasound may not necessarily detect Down syndrome, although certain characteristics might be observed to some extent, but a definitive diagnosis cannot be made. The specific analysis is as follows:

     Some children with Down syndrome exhibit obvious facial abnormalities, such as wide-set eyes and a flattened nasal bridge, or may be accompanied by structural abnormalities such as heart defects or intestinal atresia. These features can be observed via four-dimensional ultrasound, providing clues for diagnosis, but cannot serve as a definitive diagnostic basis.

     Other children with Down syndrome may not exhibit obvious structural abnormalities, and their facial and organ development may not significantly differ from those of normal fetuses. In such cases, four-dimensional ultrasound may struggle to detect any abnormalities, making it impossible to determine the presence of the condition based on imaging alone, and further testing is required for confirmation.

     Screening for Down syndrome should combine multiple methods, such as Down syndrome screening and non-invasive DNA testing. If abnormalities are detected via four-dimensional ultrasound, timely further examinations should be conducted to ensure an accurate assessment of the fetus's health status.