Endoluminal sonographic imaging of upper urinary tract: three-dimensional reconstruction

J Endourol. 2001 Jun;15(5):485-8. doi: 10.1089/089277901750299267.

Abstract

Two-dimensional endoluminal sonographic imaging of the ureter demonstrates the periureteral anatomy, as well as define lesions within the ureteral wall. It has been used for evaluation of a wide range of abnormalities, including ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstructions, crossing vasculature at an obstructed UPJ, ureteral and renal pelvic neoplasms, and the obstructed ureter. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of two-dimensional (2D) sonographic imaging is a new technique applicable to intraluminal imaging. It offers advantages over 2D imaging by demonstrating the spatial relation of anatomic structures that cannot be appreciated using conventional imaging. We have evaluated a number of ureters with various pathology using 2D endouminal sonography. In this paper, we present three cases in which we have used 3D reconstruction to gain a clearer understanding of the pathology. Although still early in its application, 3D endoluminal reconstruction has potential to be a clinically useful aid to surgical decision-making.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Endometriosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Endosonography*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Middle Aged
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional*
  • Ureteral Calculi / diagnostic imaging
  • Ureteral Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Ureteral Obstruction / diagnostic imaging
  • Ureteral Obstruction / surgery
  • Urinary Tract / diagnostic imaging*
  • Urologic Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Urologic Diseases / surgery