Comparison of axial reconstructed ultrasonographic images from three-dimensional data volumes and computed tomographic scans in the documentation anddetection of liver lesions

Objective. To compare axial reconstructed ultrasonographic images from thre e-dimensional data volumes and conventional computed tomographic scans in d ocumentation and detection of liver lesions. Methods. The livers of 23 pati ents were examined by a multifrequency curved array transducer to acquire t hree-dimensional data volumes and by conventional computed tomography. The ultrasonographic device was equipped with three-dimensional ultrasonographi c technology allowing for realtime parallel movement in every plane within an acquired data volume. Axial ultrasonographic images reconstructed from t hree-dimensional data volumes were compared with conventional computed tomo graphic scans, Results. When both methods were taken together, a total of 5 1 different liver lesions could be detected. Reconstructed ultrasonographic images depicted 44 (86%) of 51 lesions, and computed tomographic scans sho wed 46 (90%) of 51 lesions. Compared with computed tomography, ultrasonogra phy depicted 5 additional lesions in 3 of the patients (4 hemagiomas and I unspecified lesion), whereas 7 lesions were missed in another 4 patients (4 metastases, 2 calcifications, and 1 cyst). The Pearson correlation coeffic ient between ultrasonography and computed tomography was r = 0.84 (P < .001 ). Conclusions. Our study shows that ultrasonographic images can be effecti vely reconstructed from three-dimensional data volumes. With respect to doc umentation and detection of liver lesions, the results obtained by three-di mensional ultrasonography appear comparable with those obtained by conventi onal computed tomography. However, several technical and procedural limitat ions have to be respected.