Can 3-dimensional cranial ultrasound be used to successfully reconstruct a 2-dimensional image without compromising on image quality in a neonatal population?

Abstract

Background Cranial ultrasound is frequently performed in neonatal intensive care units and acquiring 2-dimensional (D) images requires significant training. Three-D ultrasound images can be acquired semi-automatically. Objective This proof-of-concept study aimed to demonstrate that 3-D study image quality compares well with 2-D. If this is successful, 3-D images could be acquired in remote areas and read remotely by experts. Materials and methods This was a prospective study of 20 neonates, who underwent both routine 2-D and 3-D cranial ultrasounds. Images were reconstructed into standard views extracted from the 3-D volume and evaluated by three radiologists blinded to the acquisition method. The radiologists assessed for the presence of anatomical landmarks and overall image quality. Results More anatomical structures were identified in the 3-D studies (P<0.01). There was a trend that 3-D ultrasound demonstrated better image quality in the coronal plane, and 2-D in the sagittal plane, only reaching statistical significance for two coronal views and two sagittal views. Conclusion Overall, this study has demonstrated that 3-D cranial ultrasound performs similarly to 2-D and could be implemented into neonatal practice.

Shape Memory Alloys Patches to Mimic Rolling, Sliding, and Spinning Movements of the Knee

“…Trajectory M and Trajectory E were measured at 55 mm and 15 mm, respectively, from the end of the femur. Figure 5B defines the names of the planes as interpreted in three dimensions: the sagittal plane is a vertical division longitudinally bisecting the body into left and right sections; the frontal plane is an anatomical boundary that separates the body into anterior (ventral) and posterior (dorsal) parts; the transverse plane is a horizontal division [49][50][51][52]. Figure 5C identified the knee movement at points in the transverse plane.…”