3D ultrasound DICOM data of the thyroid gland

Abstract

<jats:title>Summary</jats:title><jats:p>Purpose: It has recently become possible to generate and archive three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) volume data with the DICOM standard Enhanced Ultrasound Volume Storage (EUVS). The objective of this study was to examine the application of the EUVS standard based on the example of thyroid ultrasound. Patients, methods: 32 patients, who were referred for thyroid diagnosis, were given a 3D-US examination of the thyroid gland (GE Voluson E8, convex 3D probe RAB4–8-D). The 3D data sets were exported to EUVS. Necessary additions to DICOM entries and transformation into an established DICOM standard were carried out. The visual assessment and volume measurements were performed by two experts on nuclear medicine using standard software in our hospital. Results: In 24/32 (75%) of the patients, the whole organ was successfully recorded in a single 3D scan; in 8/32 (25%), only part of organ could be covered. In all cases, 3D-US data could be exported and archived. After supplementing the DICOM entry Patient Orientation and transformation into the DICOM PET format, 3D-US data could be displayed in the correct orientation and size at any viewing workstation and any web browser-based PACS viewer. Afterwards, 3D processing such as multiplanar reformation, volumetric measurements and image fusion with data of other cross sectional modalities could be performed. The intraclass correlation of the volume measurements was 0,94 and the interobserver variability was 5.7%. Conclusion: EUVS allows the generation, distribution and archiving of 3D-US data of the thyroid, facilitates a second reading by another physician and creates conditions for advanced 3D processing using routine software</jats:p>

Automated Visualization and Quantification of Spiral Artery Blood Flow Entering the First-Trimester Placenta, Using 3-D Power Doppler Ultrasound

“…In the case of the placenta, this could provide a method to complement previous histological studies of spiral arteries and investigate changes in vascularity throughout pregnancy. With this method available as open-source software, combined with the move toward open availability of 3D US data in a common, vendor agnostic format (Freesmeyer, et al 2012) it is hoped that larger cohorts of data across multiple centers can be collected for further study. With large-scale data the ability of these 3D PD US features to detect early indications of various obstetrical pathology may be determined.…”

Ultrasound imaging in thyroid nodule diagnosis, therapy, and follow‐up: Current status and future trends

“…We believe volume estimation performed during watchful waiting should be performed with 3D‐US. As described before, 3D‐US is superior to the current 2D approach 43–45,61–63,69 . Thus, research should be performed into an updated cut‐off value currently used in the RSSs.…”

“…Andermann et al studied the interobserver variability, finding that it was reduced when using 3D ultrasound as compared to 2D ultrasound 44 . Freesmeyer et al used a new DICOM standard to view 3D ultrasound data and found an interobserver variability of 5.6% 61 . Kim et al elaborated on the use for mechanically swept 3D ultrasound as compared to 2D by studying its use in an “off‐site” setting, where radiologists were able to view the volume as one would with a CT‐ or MRI‐volume 62 .…”

“…44 Freesmeyer et al used a new DICOM standard to view 3D ultrasound data and found an interobserver variability of 5.6%. 61 Kim et al elaborated on the use for mechanically swept 3D ultrasound as compared to 2D by studying its use in an "off-site" setting, where radiologists were able to view the volume as one would with a CT-or MRI-volume. 62 This resulted in improved sensitivity (78.7% from 61.2%) and interobserver agreement (kappa of 0.53 vs. 0.37) for detecting malignancies, additionally reducing the total scanning time with 35%.…”

“…As described before, 3D-US is superior to the current 2D approach. [43][44][45][61][62][63]69 Thus, research should be performed into an updated cut-off value currently used in the RSSs. This may result in more accurate diagnosis at follow-up, due to improved accuracy of the measurements.…”