Clinical trial on the accuracy of a freehand and sensor-independent three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound system measuring diameters, volumes and vascularity of malignant primaries of the neck

Aim: Diameters, volumes and vascularity of malignant primaries of the neck are of substantial importance for staging and prognosis. The purpose of thi s study was to determine the accuracy of a newly developed freehand and sen sor-independent three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound system (3D PDUS) in the assessment of these parameters. Method: 24 patients with squamous c ell carcinomas of the neck underwent conventional ultrasound in B- and powe r Doppler-mode (US), 3D PDUS, and computed tomography (CT). Diameters (sagi ttal, longitudinal, and transverse) and volumes of the tumours were correla ted with hand-segmentated CT images, whereas tumour vascularity was compare d with US. Results: 3D PDUS and CT correlated highly regarding diameters an d volumes (correlation coefficients r=0.98/P<0.001 and r=0.98/ P<0.001, res pectively). 3D PDUS and US correlated highly regarding vascularity (r = 0.9 2/P<0.001). Conclusion: Although 3D PDUS is based on a freehand and sensorl ess data acquisition, it appears to be as accurate as CT or US for measurem ents of diameters, volumes and vascularity of neck malignancies. In spite o f the excellent results it has to be mentioned that this technique needs a lot of training and its general use has to be employed with caution.