Endoluminal sonographic imaging of upper urinary tract: Three-dimensional reconstruction

Two-dimensional endoluminal sonographic imaging of the ureter demonstrates the periureteral anatomy, as well as define lesions within the ureteral wal l. It has been used for evaluation of a wide range of abnormalities, includ ing ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstructions, crossing vasculature at an o bstructed UPJ, ureteral and renal pelvic neoplasms, and the obstructed uret er, Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of two-dimensional (2D) sonograph ic imaging is a new technique applicable to intraluminal imaging, It offers advantages over 2D imaging by demonstrating the spatial relation of anatom ic structures that cannot be appreciated using conventional imaging. We hav e evaluated a number of ureters with various pathology using 2D endouminal sonography, In this paper, we present three cases in which we have used 3D reconstruction to gain a clearer understanding of the pathology. Although s till early in its application, 3D endoluminal reconstruction has potential to be a clinically useful aid to surgical decision-making.