Distant ultrasound fetometry using standard computers and networks

To evaluate distant ultrasound fetal measurements using a desktop computer video conferencing system over a dedicated Ethernet network. Ultrasound examinations (USE) were performed by a non echographist obstetrician, guided by an expert located in a distant center. Later, a second expert performed a new USE on the patient, not aware of the transmitted results. A compound video signal from a Philips P700 ultrasound unit was input to a Macintosh Power PC 8500/180. A video-conference was established through a modified Apple videophone software over the network with a similar distant computer. Biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) were registered in 55 pregnant women (20 to 40 weeks gestation) chosen randomly from our outpatient clinic. The measurements obtained were compared using correlation coefficient and variation coefficient. All the correlation coefficients are statistically significant (p = 0.0001). Distant ultrasound fetometry is safe and reproducible, and may be helpful in the evaluation of patients in hospitals far from a tertiary center.