ObjectiveTo summarize the imaging characteristics of three-dimensional ultrasonography and three-plane orthogonal method for two-dimensional ultrasonography in the examination of fetal cleft lip and palate, and improve the prenatal diagnosis rate of cleft lip and palate.

MethodsA total of 12 522 fetal faces were scanned using three-plane orthogonal method(cross-section, coronal incision and sagittal incision) and three-dimensional ultrasonography.The imaging characteristics among the three planes were compared and analyzed, and the results of postpartum and following-up were analyzed.

ResultsAmong 68 cases with cleft lip and palate, the prenatal ultrasound diagnosis in 67 cases was identified, and the diagnosis rate of which was 98.5%.Sixty-three(92.6%), 64(94.1%), 44(64.7%) and 56(82.3%) cases with cleft lip and palate were showed in the cross section, coronal section of nasolabial, sagittal section/parasagittal section and three-dimensional imaging, respectively.

ConclusionsThe imaging characteristics of fetal cleft lip and palate using three-plane orthogonal method and three-dimensional ultrasonography are special, which can improve the accuracy of diagnosis, and is worthy of wide application.