Three-dimensional ultrasonography in obstetrics and gynecology: preliminary experience.
OBJECTIVE
Technologic advances in ultrasonographic imaging have revolutionized the management of women's health care. We recently began to evaluate the clinical applications of three-dimensional ultrasonography.


METHODS
This study prospectively evaluated 161 obstetric and gynecologic patients. Both two- and three-dimensional imaging data were acquired from real-time ultrasonography. Three orthogonal planes were displayed on a monitor and were used to create the rendered three-dimensional images.


RESULTS
To date, 201 three-dimensional ultrasonographic studies have been performed, 165 transabdominally and 36 transvaginally. Transabdominally, an average of eight acquisitions per patient were obtained. Of the clinically suspected abnormalities, 29 of 32 (91%) were confirmed by three-dimensional imaging. Three of 32 (9%) improved the diagnostic capabilities or changed the diagnosis. Of the 36 transvaginal studies, an average of four acquisitions per patient were done. Thirty (83%) of these patients had suspected abnormalities and all were confirmed.


CONCLUSIONS
Three-dimensional ultrasonographic imaging appears to be highly promising in the clinical setting.
Platt
L D
LD
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, 90048, USA.
Santulli
T
T
Carlson
D E
DE
Greene
N
N
Walla
C A
CA
D003199:Computer Systems; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006176:Gynecology / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*