Estimation of the human liver volume and configuration using three-dimensional ultrasonography: Effect of a high-caloric liquid meal

The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not a magnetic position sensing system for free-hand acquisition of 3-D ultrasound images could be used to estimate liver volumes, and to study the effect of a high-caloric meal on these volumes in healthy subjects. In vitro accuracy was evaluated by scanning porcine and rabbit livers. Ten healthy subjects were examined f asting and 30 min after ingesting a high-caloric liquid meal. Portal and he patic vein blood how were measured by 2-D duplex sonography, The 3-D system yielded a strong correlation (r = 0.99) between true and estimated volumes in vitro. No significant increase in liver volume in response to the meal was seen, However, portal and hepatic vein flow volume increased significan tly, Experience in human subjects suggests that a complete 3-D study of liv er volumes can be obtained from multiple acoustic windows. In healthy subje cts, no significant increase in liver volume was seen in response to ingest ion of a high-caloric liquid meal. (C) 1998 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology.