Accuracy and precision of in vitro volumetric measurements by three-dimensional sonography.
OBJECTIVE
A radiologist often wishes to measure organ volume or monitor changes in internal lesion volume during treatment. If this can be determined via three-dimensional ultrasound, the relative simplicity of the procedure and the decreased cost and known risks to the patient would make this method an attractive alternative to other modalities.


METHODS
Three-dimensional ultrasound scans were made of six phantoms: four nonechogenic spheres, one echogenic sphere, and one echogenic, irregularly shaped phantom. A total of 22 volume scans were produced. Volume estimations were made using data from cross-sectional areas and from linear measurements. In all, 193 volume estimations were made. These results were compared with known volumes and with volume estimates from computed tomography scans.


RESULTS
Three-dimensional ultrasound detected size differences of 10% with 95% certainty.


CONCLUSIONS
The accuracy and precision of volume estimates via three-dimensional ultrasound is at least as good as those obtained via conventional ultrasound.
Wong
J
J
Department of Biomedical Engineering, California State University, Sacramento, USA.
Gerscovich
E O
EO
Cronan
M S
MS
Seibert
J A
JA
D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data