3D quantification of ultrasound images: Application to mouse embryo imaging in vivo

Abstract

High frequency ultrasound imaging has become an effective tool for anatomical mice studies. This work is focused on 3D quantification of mouse embryo development to extract pertinent information of its evolution. A series of B-Scan ultrasound images was acquired at different spatial positions along the embryo. A 3D deformable model was used to segment the images. A pregnant female mouse at embryonic day 14.5 was imaged with an ATL HDI 5000, 7-15MHz linear array. The probe was moved by a step by step motor along the abdomen of the mouse. 3D segmentation results are presented including volume quantification of the embryo.