Automated Nuchal Translucency Could Improve the Detection of Chromosomal Disease

A new ultrasound system's features could reinforce the accuracy of first trimester screening for chromosomal diseases by reducing both the human error and the subjectivity that can affect the effectiveness of these measures.

Aloka Co. Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan) is working with leading fetal consultant Dr. Marc Althuser to increase the accuracy of first trimester screening. Aloka Holding Europe, AG (Zug, Switzerland), an innovator in ultrasound, is heeding the advice of leading fetal health experts by including an automated nuchal translucency (NT) thickness measurement and precalibrated settings into its ProSound ultrasound systems.

Over the last 20 years, research conducted by various specialists in fetal abnormality detection has proved that the NT test is one of the most important markers of chromosomal abnormalities. However, it still relies upon a human judgment, and therefore, there is the possibility of variance between readings. Currently, experts take a series of measurements, using their eyes and experience to decide upon where the measure has to be taken. As a result, even two highly experienced doctors can generate different results for the same patient.

With the introduction of Auto NT, results could be standardized, as image analysis algorithms will detect automatically the points to be measured, improving the human element to assessing a patient's risk and ultimately increasing accuracy.

Although Aloka's Automated NT algorithm is currently under evaluation and still needs to be formally peer-reviewed before it becomes an accepted practice, current results look extremely promising and indicate the potential benefits of this approach, according to company spokespersons. Dr. Althuser's study currently being finalized shows, interestingly, that junior doctors demonstrated a greater degree of variance when undertaking manual measurements, compared to their senior colleagues. However, when using automated or semi-automated NT measurements, there is far less interpretative difference between doctors.

Dr. Marc Althuser, from the fetal medicine department, the University Hospital of Grenoble (France), believes the future for Auto NT testing is bright, "I am in the process of completing a multicenter clinical trial into the benefits of using a semiautomated testing protocol, and the results look very positive. However, as this still involves manual measurement, I can see that fully automating the detection and measurement process is the logical next step. I am sure that this innovation from Aloka will be enthusiastically received by everyone working in fetal chromosome abnormality detection.”

In another response to the recommendations from the world's foremost clinicians, Aloka is now ready to supply its Prosound systems precalibrated for many common examinations, including first trimester NT screening. As these presets include patient's age, weight, and stage in pregnancy, this is another development that will improve the accuracy of fetal testing, as well as saving considerable operator time.

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