1) Update on the current technological status of 3D Imaging in Ultrasound. 2) Apply 3D ultrasound imaging in routine clinical practice enhancing work-flow. 3) Apply unenhanced and contrast enhanced 3D ultrasound imaging specifically in Oncology for staging, planning, targeting for interventional procedures and for monitoring of response. 4) Discuss future trends.
There have been major recent developments in 3D imaging with ultrasound with the advent of the matrix transducers enabling volume acquisitions with significantly improved spatial and temporal resolutions. These novel transducers are significantly smaller than the older generation of 3D transducers and designed to used effectively as a 2D or 3D probe with significant impact on workflow reducing routine clinical examination times.
Furthermore functional imaging in 3/4D is also a reality as the new systems have the capability to do contrast enhanced scans. Real-time volume and multi-planar contrast enhanced imaging techniques will be described. The application of un-enhanced and contrast enhanced 3/4D ultrasound imaging over 2D ultrasound imaging in oncology will be illustrated and discussed and more specifically in the staging of the liver malignancies for liver resections, the detection and characterisation of focal liver lesions, the planning and targeting of lesions for biopsies or ablative therapies and the monitoring of response.
With the need for monitoring response to novel biological agents at an earlier stage, the potential role of functional imaging with 3/4D Ultrasound will also be discussed.
Leen, E,
3D Imaging with US. Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11000334.html
