Static 3D and real-time 4D sonography is the newest technology to help sonographers acquire images and aid in the diagnosis of pathology. Touted as a fast and efficient method of collecting needed data within a data set, the potential for increased diagnostic confidence may be a reality. Three-dimensional imaging has been evolving since the early 1970s and has now come into the clinical setting. Understanding the development of this imaging format, current theory, and terminology helps the sonographer obtain and use an optimal data set.
Woo J: A short history of the development of 3-D ultra-sound in obstetrics and gynecology. Accessed August 6, 2004, from www.ob-ultrasound.net/history-3D.html
2.
Merton D: Diagnostic medical ultrasound technology: a brief historical review. J Diagn Med Sonography1997; 13(5):10S–23S.
3.
Al-Sadah J, Jeraj R, Mackie T: Arbitrarily oriented CT/MR slice construction matching tracked US probe. Med Physics2004;31(6):1735–1735.
4.
Kurjak A, Jackson D: An Atlas of Three- and Four-Dimensional Sonography in Obstetrics and Gynecology. London: Taylor & Francis, 2004.
5.
Nelson T, Downey D, Pretorius D, Fenster A: Three-Dimensional Ultrasound. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1999.
6.
Philips Ultrasound: Ultrasound for Women’s Health Care: Protocol Guides. Bothell, WA: Philips Ultrasound, 2003.
7.
Benacerraf B: Three-dimensional ultrasound of the fetus: is it necessary? GE Online CME courses. Accessed August 29, 2004, from http://www.gehealthcare.com/usen/ultrasound/msucme.html.
8.
Prager R, Gee A, Berman L: Stradx: real-time acquisition and visualization of freehand three-dimensional ultra-sound. Med Image Anal1999;3(2):129–140.
9.
Prager R, Gee A, Berman L: Rapid calibration for 3-D freehand ultrasound. Ultrasound Med Biol1998; 24(6):855–869.
10.
Kurjak A, Kkupesic S (eds): Clinical Application of 3D Sonography. New York: Parthenon, 2000.
