title: Three-dimensional imaging for diagnostic ultrasound in dermatology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Visual examination and cutaneous biopsies, two major tools in dermatologic diagnosis, do not provide structural information regarding the entire tissue volume.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Our purpose was to develop a high-resolution ultrasound system that quickly, with minimal operator interaction, displays structural data on the entire tissue volume.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prototype ultrasound B-scan system was developed and operated at nominal center frequencies between 35 and 50 MHz, with computer processing of data to produce three-dimensional images. These images displayed as three-dimensional "blocks" can be sectioned to provide multiple images of internal structure (i.e., "acoustic biopsies").
  
  
  RESULTS
  B-scans and associated three-dimensional images were obtained from assorted skin sites in selected patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This technique provides a valuable diagnostic tool that is now being further evaluated.
authors.affiliation: Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Medical Center, NY 10016.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Stiller
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Driller
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Shupack
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Gropper
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Rorke
authors.forename: F L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Lizzi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008838:Microcomputers; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D012867:Skin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012984:Software; D014463:Ultrasonography