Three-dimensional endoluminal ultrasound: a new method for the evaluation of gastrointestinal tumors.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of three-dimensional endoluminal ultrasound of gastrointestinal tumors.


METHODS
Sixteen patients with esophageal, gastric, or colorectal tumors underwent endoscopic ultrasound. Three-dimensional ultrasound data were obtained from multiple serial images of a miniprobe (360 degrees, 12.5 MHz) and processed on a PC-based 3D workstation.


RESULTS
Adequate three-dimensional ultrasound scans were obtained in eight patients with esophageal cancer and five patients with colorectal cancer. Three-dimensional image processing enabled visualization of the data as a multiplanar display or as a life-like three-dimensional view. The availability of arbitrary scan planes improved the assessment of local tumor spread and the spatial relation of the tumor to relevant adjacent structures (e.g., major vessels). Three-dimensional presentations provided realistic views of the anatomy and facilitated the interpretation of the ultrasound images.


CONCLUSIONS
Three-dimensional display and the ability to review endoluminal ultrasound data interactively may improve the staging of gastrointestinal tumors. These preliminary data encourage further evaluation of this technique.
Hünerbein
M
M
Department of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Robert Rössle Hospital, Humboldt University, Lindenbergerweg 80, 13122 Berlin, Germany.
Ghadimi
B M
BM
Gretschel
S
S
Schlag
P M
PM
D016477:Artifacts; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System; D019160:Endosonography / Q000379:methods*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology