Tridimensional (3D) endoscopic ultrasound - a pictorial review

Tridimensional endoscopic ultrasound (3D-EUS) offers a better understanding of the spatial relations of examined lesions and allowing future assessment of the captured volume. 3D-EUS has been used with both radial and linear transducers, especially in an attempt to improve staging of esophageal, gastric, pancreatic or rectal tumors. The AIM of this clinical imaging article was to show the capabilities and perspectives of linear 3D ultrasound, including contrast-enhanced 3D-EUS. The 3D reconstruction images were acquired with a freehand technique through rotation (torque) of the EUS scope along its long axis. 3D acquisition of contrast-enhanced EUS images was also used. Esophageal, gastric and mediastinal tumors are easily visualized by 3D-EUS reconstructions and also, 3D-EUS facilitates anatomical interpretation of the images in the pancreatobiliary area. In conclusion, the advantages of 3D reconstructions in EUS are clear and multiple, especially in the assessment of the location of tumors and their relationships with neighboring organs and blood vessels.