Comparison of axial reconstructed ultrasonographic images from three-dimensional data volumes and computed tomographic scans in the documentation and detection  of liver lesions.
OBJECTIVE
To compare axial reconstructed ultrasonographic images from three-dimensional data volumes and conventional computed tomographic scans in documentation and detection of liver lesions.


METHODS
The livers of 23 patients were examined by a multifrequency curved array transducer to acquire three-dimensional data volumes and by conventional computed tomography The ultrasonographic device was equipped with three-dimensional ultrasonographic technology allowing for real-time parallel movement in every plane within an acquired data volume. Axial ultrasonographic images reconstructed from three-dimensional data volumes were compared with conventional computed tomographic scans.


RESULTS
When both methods were taken together, a total of 51 different liver lesions could be detected. Reconstructed ultrasonographic images depicted 44 (86%) of 51 lesions, and computed tomographic scans showed 46 (90%) of 51 lesions. Compared with computed tomography, ultrasonography depicted 5 additional lesions in 3 of the patients (4 hemagiomas and 1 unspecified lesion), whereas 7 lesions were missed in another 4 patients (4 metastases, 2 calcifications, and 1 cyst). The Pearson correlation coefficient between ultrasonography and computed tomography was r = 0.84 (P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Our study shows that ultrasonographic images can be effectively reconstructed from three-dimensional data volumes. With respect to documentation and detection of liver lesions, the results obtained by three-dimensional ultrasonography appear comparable with those obtained by conventional computed tomography. However, several technical and procedural limitations have to be respected.
Beissert
M
M
Department of Radiology, University of Wurzburg, Germany.
Jenett
M
M
Kessler
C
C
Keberle
M
M
Jahns
R
R
Hahn
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography