Evaluation of the accuracy and reliability of two 3-dimensional sonography methods in volume measurement of small structures: an in vitro phantom study.

摘要

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of two 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging and measurement techniques in volume measurements using custom-made phantoms. METHODS: A total of 20 phantoms with irregular-shaped test objects of known volume (2-9.7 ml) were constructed. The phantoms were scanned using an automated mechanical 3D sonography technique and a free-hand 3D sonography technique. The volumes of the test objects were measured with parallel planes volumes were compared with the actual volumes of the test objects. To evaluate inter- and intraoperator measurement variability, the phantoms were scanned twice by 2 different operators. RESULTS: Both the automated mechanical and the free-hand 3D sonography techniques were accurate and reliable. Automated mechanical 3D sonography with the parallel planes technique (accuracy, 81.5-83.4%; reproducibility, 91.1%; repeatability, 98.8-99.1%) was slightly more accurate and reliable than the free-hand rotating planes technique (accuracy, 74.7-84.2%; reproducibility, 88.4%; repeatability, 97.3-98%), but the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Both the automated and freehand volume measurement techniques evaluated in this study are accurate and reliable.