This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Abuhamad, A. Z. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Abuhamad, A. Z.

Clinical Implications of the Echo Enhancement Artifact in Volume Sonography of the Uterus

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia USA.

Address correspondence to Alfred Z. Abuhamad, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Hofheimer Hall, Suite 310, 825 Fairfax Ave, Norfolk, VA 23507 USA. E-mail: abuhamaz{at}evms.edu

Objective. The purpose of this report is to present a 3-dimensional (3D) imaging artifact, the echo enhancement artifact, which may have important clinical implications in the display of the midcoronal plane of the uterus in volume sonography and to suggest a technologic modification to current 3D equipment that may help the user in the identification of such an artifact. Methods. Three coronal planes were retrieved out of a 3D volume of a uterus obtained during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle by standard postprocessing techniques. The effect of the echo enhancement artifact on the display of the coronal planes was compared. Results. Coronal planes, obtained in the posterior myometrium, below the endometrial cavity, appeared to show what looked like endometria and could potentially be confused with the anatomic midcoronal plane of the uterus by an inexperienced operator because of the echo enhancement artifact. Conclusions. Physicians reviewing diagnostic images retrieved out of a sonographic volume should be aware of this artifact and should review the anatomic plane that corresponds to the retrieved image before a clinical diagnosis is rendered. A technologic modification to current 3D equipment is suggested.

Key Words: artifact • coronal plane • echo enhancement artifact • 3-dimensional sonography • uterus • volume sonography

Abbreviations: 3D, 3-dimensional

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. M. Bocca, S. Oehninger, and A. Z. Abuhamad Detection of Transient Postoperative Changes in the Endometrial Cavity by 3-Dimensional Ultrasonography After Hysteroscopic Correction of Various Uterine Anomalies J. Ultrasound Med., March 1, 2008; 27(3): 461 - 465. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]