Three-dimensional ultrasonography using the minimum transparent mode in obstructive biliary diseases - Early experience

Objective. To assess the feasibility of three-dimensional ultrasonography using the minimum transparent mode in patients with obstructive biliary disease. Methods. Fourteen patients with obstructive jaundice underwent three-dimensional ultrasonography after conventional two-dimensional ultrasonography before interventional procedures. Three-dimensional images reconstructed by the minimum transparent mode were evaluated and compared with direct cholangiography. The minimum transparent mode images were compared with the two-dimensional ultrasonographic images to determine whether additional information was obtained. Results. The level of obstruction was correctly depicted in all patients, and a dilated common bile duct, common hepatic duct, gallbladder, and main intrahepatic ducts were well visualized on minimum transparent mode images. The findings on minimum transparent mode images were well correlated with those on cholangiography; however, the perspective of the whole biliary tree on minimum transparent mode images was inferior to that on cholangiography in all cases. The overall image quality of minimum transparent mode images was poor in 6 patients, fair in 3, good in 4, and excellent in 1. The biliary anatomy was more objectively visualized on the minimum transparent mode images than conventional two-dimensional ultrasonographic images. Conclusions. Three-dimensional ultrasonography using the minimum transparent mode appears to be clinically feasible. The biliary anatomy was more objectively visualized on the minimum transparent mode images than conventional two-dimensional ultrasonographic images. Further technical development is needed to improve imaging resolution.