SIESCAPE(TM) - A NEW SONOGRAPHIC DIMENSION WITH FICTIVE IMAGES

SieScape(TM) is a new data processor that produces continuous sonograp hic images of large structures. It works without mechanical control of position and can be used with any transducer, Its accuracy and reprod ucibility is relevant for measurements and has to be investigated, Wit h the ultrasound equipment of Siemens, type Elegra (5- and 7-MHz linea r array transducer), we did repetitive measurements of linear superfic ial distances, curved circumferences and diameters of human legs. Fina lly, we tried to do continuous investigations of vascular structures t o produce SieScape(TM) images. The linear superficial distances of 150 mm were underestimated (147.4 +/- 3.3 mm), Diameter measurements of t he calf, with an adjusted depth of 40 mm, tended to give more accurate values than measurements with a depth of 70 mm, which were all overes timated, The circumferences of the calf measured between superficial m arkers were calculated as too small, SieScape(TM) really provides new sonographic documentation. The SieScape(TM) images are fictive, becaus e they do not exactly reproduce anatomic dimensions, (C) 1998 World Fe deration for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology.