Three-dimensional US: Preliminary clinical experience

PURPOSE: To evaluate applications of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound (US) in a clinical setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients were examined with experimental 3D US transducers coupled to a commercially available US unit and a computer workstation. Images were acquired in either the sagittal or transverse plane and were reconstructed in two orthogonal planes, transverse and sagittal; the C-plane, parallel to the transducer surface; and a volumetric rotational transparency display. RESULTS: A variety of normal and diseased abdominal and superficial organs and selected fetal anatomy, and pathologic conditions were imaged. 3D US allowed display of anatomy and pathologic conditions in planes usually not possible with conventional two-dimensional (2D) US. CONCLUSION: Preliminary data suggest that 3D US may become a valuable clinical tool and adjunct to 2D US. 3D US allows depiction of normal and abnormal structures in previously unattainable planes, thus facilitating diagnosis and increasing operator diagnostic confidence.