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Published on: July 29, 2013
Surface area measurement using rendered three-dimensional ultrasound imaging: an in-vitro phantom study
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound with rendering accurately measures fontanelle surface area. This in vitro study confirms the technique
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Ultrasound technology
- Pediatric diagnostics
Background:
- Cranial sutures and fontanelles are crucial anatomical landmarks.
- Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound with rendering offers potential for their visualization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the repeatability and validity of fontanelle surface area measurements using rendered 3D ultrasound images.
- To establish the reliability of this imaging technique for assessing fontanelle dimensions.
Main Methods:
- An in vitro phantom validation study was conducted using four holes representing fontanelles.
- Scans were performed by two sonographers at varying depths and sweep directions.
- Surface areas were measured from rendered images and directly from the phantom, analyzed using coefficients of variation (CVs), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and Bland-Altman plots.
Main Results:
- Measurements demonstrated satisfactory validity with a mean percentage difference of -5.9% compared to true surface area.
- Intraobserver repeatability was high for caliper placement (CV=1.6%, ICC=0.999) and scan measurement (CV=5.5%, ICC=0.992).
- Accuracy was reduced for the smallest shapes tested.
Conclusions:
- Surface area measurements of fontanelles on rendered 3D ultrasound images are accurate and reproducible in an in vitro setting.
- The findings support the use of 3D ultrasound for reliable fontanelle assessment.
