title: Abdominal virtual ultrasonographic images reconstructed by multi-detector row helical computed tomography.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Three-dimensional (3D) images can be generated using thin sections from multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) and computer software, simulating images obtained using conventional ultrasonography (US). This software allows easy diagnosis of abdominal lesions and subsequent treatment of focal liver lesions such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study used newly developed virtual US software for diagnose and treatment of hepatobiliary disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  The software was used to create virtual US images in 10 subjects. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was performed by virtual US in seven patients with HCC.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Slices were easily reconstructed from various angles, and each slice was continuously animated as with conventional US in all subjects. Moreover, when seven patients with HCC were examined using virtual US, HCC nodules were visualized and could be treated with RFA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Virtual US should prove useful for visualization of HCC nodules that cannot be seen under conventional US. Virtual US is a useful tool for US-guided treatment of HCC.
authors.affiliation: Third Department of Internal Medicine, Ehime University School of Medicine, Shigenobu-cho, Onsen-gun, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.
authors.forename: Masashi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hirooka
authors.forename: Hidehito
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Iuchi
authors.forename: Kiyotaka
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kurose
authors.forename: Teru
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kumagi
authors.forename: Norio
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Horiike
authors.forename: Morikazu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Onji
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012984:Software; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014584:User-Computer Interface