Evaluating Spatiotemporal Image Correlation Technology as a Tool for Training Nonexpert Sonographers to Perform Examinations of the Fetal Heart. (1st January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Avnet, Hagai; Mazaaki, Eyal; Shen, Ori; Cohen, Sarah; Yagel, Simcha
• Is Part Of: Journal of ultrasound in medicine. Volume 35:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 111
• Page End: 119
• Publication Date: 2016-01-01
• Subjects: echocardiography -- fetal heart -- 4-dimensional sonography -- prenatal diagnosis -- screening examination -- spatiotemporal image correlation -- 3-dimensional sonography -- training; Ultrasonics in medicine -- Periodicals; Ultrasonics; Ultrasonography; Ultrasonics in medicine; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.07543
• DOI: 10.7863/ultra.15.01072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0278-4297

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the use of spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) as a tool for training nonexpert examiners to perform screening examinations of the fetal heart by acquiring and examining STIC volumes according to a standardized questionnaire based on the 5 transverse planes of the fetal heart. Methods: We conducted a prospective study at 2 tertiary care centers. Two sonographers without formal training in fetal echocardiography received theoretical instruction on the 5 fetal echocardiographic transverse planes, as well as STIC technology. Only women with conditions allowing 4‐dimensional STIC volume acquisitions (grayscale and Doppler) were included in the study. Acquired volumes were evaluated offline according to a standardized protocol that required the trainee to mark 30 specified structures on 5 required axial planes. Volumes were then reviewed by an expert examiner for quality of acquisition and correct identification of specified structures. Results: Ninety‐six of 112 pregnant women examined entered the study. Patients had singleton pregnancies between 20 and 32 weeks' gestation. After an initial learning curve of 20 examinations, trainees succeeded in identifying 97% to 98% of structures, with a highly significant degree of agreement with the expert's analysis ( P < .001). A median of 2 STIC volumes for each examination was necessary for maximal structure identification. Acquisition quality scores were high (8.6–8.7 of a maximal score of 10) and were found to correlate with identification rates ( P = .017). Conclusions: After an initial learning curve and under expert guidance, STIC is an excellent tool for trainees to master extended screening examinations of the fetal heart.