Magnetic sensor data acquisition for three-dimensional ultrasound of the orbit

Three-dimensional (3D) B-mode ultrasound imaging is now possible using a magnetic sensor data acquisition system to localise data points, allowing free-hand scanning. We report the first use of this freehand scanning system for insonation of the orbit.

We insonated 10 orbits in 5 volunteers (all men; mean age 37 years) with an Acuson 128XP ultrasound system and a 7.5 MHz transducer. Power-Doppler was used to image vascular structures. Data were acquired using a new magnetic sensor system with detectors mounted on the transducer. Free-hand scanning was done using sweeping or fan-like and linear movements over 20-30 s to cover the orbit, with retrospective measurements of orbital structures. A 3D reconstruction was performed via an external workstation.

All orbits were adequately imaged by one data acquisition. Selected intraorbital structures were identified and their course followed, including optic nerve and central vessels, as well as short and long ciliary vessels. The mean transverse area of the optic nerve was 5.6 +/- 1.1 mm2; the diameter of the optic nerve was 3.0 +/- 0.3 mm. The lateral rectus muscle was clearly seen, with a mean diameter of 4.9 +/- 0.3 mm, at the level of optic nerve head.

Three-dimensional ultrasound of the orbit allows imaging of the location, course and relationships of intraorbital vessels, the optic nerve and the lateral rectus muscles with one data acquisition, as well as quantitative measurements not possible with 2D images alone. This method allows rapid, free-hand data acquisition, with a multitude of potential clinical applications.