Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging.
Two-dimensional viewing of three-dimensional anatomy by conventional ultrasound limits our ability to quantify and visualize a number of diseases and is partly responsible for the reported variability in diagnosis. Over the past two decades, many investigators have addressed this limitation by developing three-dimensional imaging techniques, including three-dimensional ultrasound imaging. In this paper we describe the development of a number of three-dimensional ultrasound imaging systems that make use of B mode, color Doppler, and power Doppler. In these systems, the conventional ultrasound transducer is scanned mechanically or by a freehand technique. The ultrasound images are digitized and then reconstructed into a three-dimensional volume, which can be viewed and manipulated interactively by the diagnostician with a variety of image-rendering techniques. These developments as well as future trends are discussed with regard to their applications and limitations.
Fenster
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John P. Robarts Research Institute, Department of Diagnostic Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. afenster@irus.rri.on.ca
Downey
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DB
D001698:Biomedical Engineering; D003201:Computers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D008297:Male; D009038:Motion; D011247:Pregnancy; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends