In vivo comparison of 3D ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in volume estimation of human kidneys

Ultrasound Med Biol. 1995;21(1):25-32. doi: 10.1016/0301-5629(94)00082-4.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a three-dimensional ultrasound system (3D-US) compared with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in volume estimation of human kidneys in vivo. Twenty healthy volunteers were scanned fasting in supine position with MRI and with a 3D-US. An ultrasound sector scanner with a mechanical transducer coupled to a tilting motor provided images of multiple sections of kidneys. A 3.25-MHz transducer was tilted through 88 degrees yielding 81 frames, and volume estimation was performed on a Unix workstation after manual contour indication. Data acquisition with MRI was performed by using a 1-T magnet. Eighteen included kidneys [mean +/- standard deviation (SD)] measured 155.7 +/- 26.4 mL (range 110.0-205.0 mL) by 3D ultrasound and 171.8 +/- 24.6 mL (range 127.5-211.0 mL) by MRI, yielding a good correlation (r = 0.82, p < 0.001) between the two methods. The mean difference was -16.1 +/- 15.6 mL (SD) and the limits of agreement were -49.0 mL. We conclude that this 3D-US is accurate in volume estimation of human kidneys in vivo.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Data Display
  • Fasting
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney / anatomy & histology*
  • Kidney / diagnostic imaging*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / instrumentation
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Regression Analysis
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Supine Position
  • Transducers
  • Ultrasonography / instrumentation
  • Ultrasonography / statistics & numerical data