Feasibility of performing a virtual patient examination using three-dimensional ultrasonographic data acquired at remote locations

Objective. To evaluate the feasibility of performing three-dimensional ultr asonographic studies that meet American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and American College of Radiology ultrasonographic examination guidelines with review off-line and at remote locations. Methods. One hundred patients were studied at 2 institutions using high-end two-dimensional clinical ult rasonographic scanners and commercially available three-dimensional ultraso nography for a variety of organ systems (first- and second-trimester fetus, abdomen, and female pelvis). We evaluated several parameters, including me asurements, completeness of organ visualization, abnormalities identified, image quality, number of volumes required, and discrepancies between interp retations. Results. Overall, three-dimensional ultrasonography could produc e diagnostic-quality results comparable with those of Mo-dimensional ultras onography. Three-dimensional ultrasonographic Image quality was lower than that of two-dimensional ultrasonography. Two- and three-dimensional ultraso nographic measurements were comparable (<5% difference), as was the extent of organ visualization, although some structures were challenging for both two- and three-dimensional ultrasonography. In general, organs completely i maged In the scanner field of view required 1 to 1.5 volumes, whereas large r organs required between 3 and 6 volumes. Differences among reviewers' int erpretations highlighted the need for standardization of acquisition and re viewing protocols for sonographers and physicians. Conclusions. Our results show that it is clinically feasible to acquire three-dimensional ultrasono graphic data at one site and to obtain accurate interpretation by off-line review at another within the context of providing high-quality clinical dia gnostic studies.