Objective: We wanted to assess the usefulness of four-dimensional (4D) ultrasonography (US), i.e., real-time three-dimensional US, as an adjunct for performing various US-guided interventional procedures in superficial lesions.
Materials and methods: Thirty-three patients were referred for US-guided interventional procedures for superficial lesions, including core biopsy in 19, fine-needle aspiration in eight, therapeutic drug injection in four and needle puncture in two. The procedures were performed under 4D US guidance. We reviewed the pathologic/cytologic results of the core biopsies or needle aspirations, and also the outcomes of drug injection or needle puncture.
Results: For all the patients who underwent 4D US-guided core biopsy, the specimens were adequate for making the pathological diagnosis, and specimens were successfully obtained for those patients who underwent 4D US-guided aspiration. The patients treated with 4D US-guided therapeutic drug injection or needle puncture had a good response. No major procedure-related complications occurred. The procedural times were similar to those procedural times with using two-dimensional US.
Conclusion: Combining the two dimensional and 4D US techniques aids the physician when performing US-guided interventional procedures for the superficial lesions.