Three-dimensional ultrasound.

The papers in this issue show that the feasibility of three-dimensional ultrasound methods in the clinical setting using commercially available equipment is nearby. Their results demonstrate some of the advantages compared to two-dimensional ultrasound and other diagnostic modalities, including reduced scanning times that will offer more cost-effective use of equipment and sonographer time. Other benefits of three-dimensional ultrasound include allowing the physician: to evaluate arbitrary planes not available with two-dimensional ultrasound due to patient body habitus; to measure organ dimensions and volumes; to obtain anatomic and blood flow information; to improve assessment of complex anatomic anomalies; to confirm normalcy; to standardized the ultrasound exam procedures; to enhance the understanding of physicians in primary care facilities and communicate volume data over networks for consultation at tertiary facilities. Standardization of the ultrasound examination protocols can lead to uniformly high-quality examinations and decreased health care costs. Ultimately, three-dimensional ultrasound imaging will make it easier for primary care physicians to understand complex patient anatomy. Tertiary care physicians specializing in ultrasound can further enhance the quality of patient care by using high-speed computer networks to review volume or dynamic data at specialization centers with primary care physicians. Access to volume data at specialization centers affords more sophisticated analysis and review, further augmenting patient diagnosis and treatment and reducing health care costs.