Diagnostic Effectiveness of Three-Dimensional Ultrasonographic Imaging of Pediatric Brain
Kriengkrai Iemsawatdikul MD1, Preeyacha Pacharn MD1, Nucharree Chotipanvittayakul BSc, RT1, Chirawat Sudla BSc, RT1
Affiliation : 1 Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Three-dimensional cranial ultrasonography [3DCUS] is a new developing technology that provides fast scanning
time and image post processing ability. However, its image quality and diagnostic value are still questionable for clinical usage.
Objective : To evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness and image quality of 3DCUS compared to the two-dimensional cranial
ultrasonography [2DCUS].
Materials and Methods : The present study was done prospectively in 175 cranial ultrasound examinations. Each examination
consists of 2DCUS and 3DCUS images taken at the same session. Each set of data was reviewed by two pediatric radiologists for
diagnosing of intracranial abnormalities and evaluating image quality in several intracranial regions. By using 2DCUS as a gold
standard, the effectiveness and image quality of 3DCUS were assessed. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee
of Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University (Si577/2009).
Results : The 2DCUS demonstrated signi(cid:976)icant higher image quality in most of intracranial regions except occipital lobe (p =
0.07), midbrain (p = 0.13) and pons (p = 0.16). The 2DCUS also showed better demonstration of the intracranial lesions such as
intraventricular hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, cerebral white matter lesions, cerebellar abnormalities and extracranial lesions.
However, there was no signi(cid:976)icant difference in diagnostic capability between these two modalities.
Conclusion : Although Image quality of 3DCUS examination is inferior to that of 2DCUS, it is suf(cid:976)icient to diagnose intracranial
abnormalities in clinical practice.
Keywords : Two-dimensional ultrasound, Three-dimensional ultrasound, Cranial ultrasound, 2D, 3D
