Abdominal virtual ultrasonographic images reconstructed by multi-detector row helical computed tomography.
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.
Hirooka
Masashi
M
Third Department of Internal Medicine, Ehime University School of Medicine, Shigenobu-cho, Onsen-gun, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.
Iuchi
Hidehito
H
Kurose
Kiyotaka
K
Kumagi
Teru
T
Horiike
Norio
N
Onji
Morikazu
M
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