[Advantages of studying the frontal plane of the uterine cavity in 3D ultrasound].

Abstract

Recently, computer-assisted treatment of echographic images has permitted '3D' reconstruction in gynecology. This is achieved by scanning a given volume containing the organ of interest. Two practical options exist. Some ultrasound probes are equipped with an automatic scanning device while others use manual scanning, electronically normalized or not. Both approaches make possible of an electronic matrix, i.e., a pile of '2D' echographic images. Secondary cuts are possible through the electronic matrix, including plans not normally accessible to ultrasound scanning because of anatomical limitations. One of the secondary cuts most clinically useful is the frontal plan of the uterus. This enables one to visualize the organ lying flat as it is commonly drawn on medical sketches. Studying the frontal plan of the uterus acquired electronically from a 3D matrix improves the visualization of possible interactions between structures such as uterine fibroids and the endometrium. The frontal plan of the uterus also offers marked improvements for studying uterine malformations.