Automatic Volume Calculation Research Articles

Anti-Mϋllerian hormone and 3D-power Doppler histogram: markers of ovarian function with in vitro fertilization treatment.

To investigate the ability of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography and anti-Mϋllerian hormone (AMH) to predict successful embryo development in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. We prospectively studied 28 patients undergoing IVF treatment, using 3D ultrasound Sono automatic volume calculation (AVC) and a 3D-power Doppler volume histogram. Sono AVC was used to automatically measure the number and volume of follicles. The volume histogram was used to measure the vascularization index (VI), flow index, and vascularization flow index in the ovaries. Serum AMH (S-AMH) was determined by enzyme immunoassay (ng/ml). The number of embryos isolated was 3.3 ± 2.8. The S-AMH of the patients who were under 35 years of age (0.570 ± 0.216 ng/ml) was higher than that in the patients over 40 years of age (0.377 ± 0.071 ng/ml; p = 0.0003). Principal component analyses determined that the quality of the embryo depended on the patients's age, S-AMH, and VI of the ovary. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the cutoff for the S-AMH was 0.2855 ng/ml, and the optimal age of the patient was 32.5 years, when implanted with an embryo on day 16. We demonstrated that investigating the relationships between the number of the embryo and ovarian function, using a combination of AMH with a volume histogram, might be useful to predict the response to IVF treatment.

Umbilical Cord Cysts

The purpose of this series was to determine whether the use of different 3-dimensional (3D) sonographic modes allows better definition of umbilical cord cysts and pseudocysts in utero. Two cases of umbilical cord cysts and 1 of a pseudocyst were analyzed and compared with 2-dimensional (2D), 3D, angiopower Doppler, tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI), virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL), and automatic volume calculation (AVC) sonographic modes. All cases were followed during pregnancy. A karyotype analysis was also obtained. Three-dimensional sonography, TUI, and VOCAL allowed clear visualization and evaluation of the sizes, locations, and numbers of umbilical cord cysts. A clear differentiation between a pseudocyst and the yolk sac was obtained with AVC and angiopower Doppler sonography. The 3D sonographic surface mode allowed better visualization of other accompanying fetal malformations. Three-dimensional sonography allows for a more accurate diagnosis and provides a clearer visualization of malformations than 2D imaging. Cysts and pseudocysts can be defined much more accurately by using the different modes described here.

Role of Sonographic Automatic Volume Calculation in Measuring Fetal Cardiac Ventricular Volumes Using 4-Dimensional Sonography

The purpose of this study was to compare the agreement and reliability of virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL) and sonographic automatic volume calculation (sonoAVC) for measurements of ventricular volume from fetal heart data sets acquired by 4-dimensional sonography with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC). We studied 45 volumes from fetuses with normal (n = 30) and abnormal (n = 15) hearts. Spatiotemporal image correlation data sets were frozen in end systole and end diastole, and ventricular volumes were measured with VOCAL and sonoAVC. The stroke volume was calculated from these measurements. Reliability and agreement of the two techniques were evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and proportionate Bland-Altman plots were constructed. The time necessary to complete the measurements with either technique was compared. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement of measurements was calculated. All data sets could be measured with both techniques. A high degree of reliability was observed between VOCAL and sonoAVC (left ventricular stroke volume ICC, 0.978; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.957-0.989; right ventricular stroke volume ICC, 0.985; 95% CI, 0.972-0.992). The time necessary to measure the stroke volume was significantly shorter with sonoAVC (2.8 versus 11.7 minutes; P < .0001) than with VOCAL. Bland-Altman tests showed no clinically significant mean percent differences between stroke volume measurements obtained from each ventricle by the same observer or by 2 independent observers using either VOCAL or sonoAVC. There was good agreement between cardiac volumes measured with VOCAL and sonoAVC. Sonographic automatic volume calculation represents a rapid technique for estimating fetal stroke volume and promises to become the method of choice.

Prune-belly Syndrome versus Posterior Urethral Valve

ABSTRACT Recent development of three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional ultrasound (4D), specially using tomographic ultrasound image (TUI), inverse mode, automatic volume calculation (AVC) and virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL), provided us with new possibilities to study fetal low urinary obstructions before 24th week. Ultrasound scan studies have been conducted in order to provide information about prune-belly syndrome and posterior urethral valves (PUV). The purpose of this paper is to give brief anatomical, histological and ultrasound review to use 3D and 4D US in the assessment of both syndromes. Objectives Define possibilities to differentiate with ultrasound between fetal prune-belly (PB) and posterior urethral valves (PUV) syndromes. Describe the ultrasound images and accompanying malformations in both syndromes. Evaluate the value of different US modes for differential diagnoses.

Comparison of automated measurements of follicular volume and manual measurements of follicular diameter to time HCG administration: a prospective study in egg donors

OBJECTIVE: We have recently shown that follicles of stimulated ovaries can be measured effectively and reliably using 3D ultrasound and SonoAVC (Automated Volume Calculation,GE Medical Systems, Austria) (Fertil Steril 2009, in press). The objective of this study was to determine whether donor IVF cycles monitored only by 3D US and SonoAVC have success rates comparable to conventional monitoring.DESIGN: Prospective observational study.MATERIALS AND METHODS: 36 donors monitored only by 3D ultrasound and SonoAVC with a Voluson E8 expert (GE Medical Systems, Austria) were compared to 23 controls monitored by conventional 2D ultrasound. Ovulation induction was carried out with a combination of recombinant FSH and either recombinant LH or urinary hMG using an antagonist protocol. Final oocyte maturation was triggered when at least 2 follicles reached a mean diameter of 18 mm (controls) or when the majority of follicles reached a volume of 0.6 cc (cases). In the experimental group, quality of image was assessed and considered good when less than 10% of follicles needed manual measurement. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS.RESULTS: Age (23±2.64 vs 22.94±3.19), days of stimulation (10.87±1.89 vs 10.77±1.37), dose of gonadotropins, number of total (20.96±11.63 vs 22.43±11.62 and mature (16.26±8.06 vs17.3±9.4) oocytes, % mature oocytes (76.21±22.29 vs 77.72±11.31), fertilization rate (69.61%±19.98 vs 69.62%±21.46), % viable embryos (92.28%±11.55 vs 82.65%±28.39), implantation (42.65% vs 47.01%) and clinical pregnancy rates (59.52 % vs 68.3%) were comparable in the two groups (P>0.05). Image quality was good in 88.6% of donors in the experimental group.CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that ovulation induction can be monitored exclusively by SonoAVC without compromising IVF results. The ability to determine the day of hCG administration based on follicular volume is a potential advantage of SonoAVC which deserves further investigation. OBJECTIVE: We have recently shown that follicles of stimulated ovaries can be measured effectively and reliably using 3D ultrasound and SonoAVC (Automated Volume Calculation,GE Medical Systems, Austria) (Fertil Steril 2009, in press). The objective of this study was to determine whether donor IVF cycles monitored only by 3D US and SonoAVC have success rates comparable to conventional monitoring. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 36 donors monitored only by 3D ultrasound and SonoAVC with a Voluson E8 expert (GE Medical Systems, Austria) were compared to 23 controls monitored by conventional 2D ultrasound. Ovulation induction was carried out with a combination of recombinant FSH and either recombinant LH or urinary hMG using an antagonist protocol. Final oocyte maturation was triggered when at least 2 follicles reached a mean diameter of 18 mm (controls) or when the majority of follicles reached a volume of 0.6 cc (cases). In the experimental group, quality of image was assessed and considered good when less than 10% of follicles needed manual measurement. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS. RESULTS: Age (23±2.64 vs 22.94±3.19), days of stimulation (10.87±1.89 vs 10.77±1.37), dose of gonadotropins, number of total (20.96±11.63 vs 22.43±11.62 and mature (16.26±8.06 vs17.3±9.4) oocytes, % mature oocytes (76.21±22.29 vs 77.72±11.31), fertilization rate (69.61%±19.98 vs 69.62%±21.46), % viable embryos (92.28%±11.55 vs 82.65%±28.39), implantation (42.65% vs 47.01%) and clinical pregnancy rates (59.52 % vs 68.3%) were comparable in the two groups (P>0.05). Image quality was good in 88.6% of donors in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that ovulation induction can be monitored exclusively by SonoAVC without compromising IVF results. The ability to determine the day of hCG administration based on follicular volume is a potential advantage of SonoAVC which deserves further investigation.

In Vivo Repeatability of Automated Volume Calculations of Small Pulmonary Nodules With CT

The objectives of our study were to evaluate the in vivo reproducibility of automated volume calculations of small lung nodules with both low-dose and standard-dose CT and to assess whether repeatability within each technique varies according to the diameter, site, or morphology of the nodule or to percentage of emphysema. Sixty-six subjects with 83 solid pulmonary nodules between 5 and 10 mm in diameter were enrolled in this prospective study. Four consecutive MDCT data sets, two low dose and two standard dose, were obtained for each nodule on separate breath-holds during the same session. The volume of each nodule was calculated by automated software. Repeatability was evaluated by Bland-Altman's approach and the coefficient of repeatability. Associations of the percentage of volume variation between two measurements with nodule diameter, emphysema percentage, nodule site, and nodule morphology were assessed by Spearman's correlation coefficient and the Kruskal-Wallis test. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The range of variation of the volumes of pulmonary nodules between two subsequent measurements was -38% +/- 60% for low-dose CT and -27% +/- 40% for standard-dose CT. No significant statistical association was found between variation in volume measurements and nodule site, nodule diameter, nodule morphology, or emphysema percentage by semiautomated calculation of lung density. Automated volume calculations of small pulmonary nodules can significantly differ between two subsequent breath-holds with both low-dose and standard-dose CT techniques; in clinical practice we recommend that a volume variation of greater than 30% for nodules between 5 and 10 mm should be confirmed by follow-up CT to be sure that a nodule is actually growing.

Automated follicle tracking improves measurement reliability in patients undergoing ovarian stimulation

This study tested the hypothesis that the automated assessment of a stimulated ovary, using 3D ultrasound and sono-AVC (automatic volume calculation), provides quicker analysis of follicular number and size than conventional 2D ultrasound, without any loss in measurement validity. Transvaginal ultrasound was performed on day 10 of stimulation in 89 prospectively recruited subjects undergoing IVF treatment. The number and mean diameter of follicles present in both ovaries was measured manually using 2D ultrasound. 3D data were then acquired and analysed using sono-AVC. Outcome measures included the number of follicles with a mean diameter >9 mm, >13 mm and >17 mm. The time taken for measurements and data acquisition was recorded. The two methods were compared using a paired t-test or the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Complete data were available for 82 subjects. There was no significant difference in the number of follicles with mean diameters >9 mm, >13 mm and >17 mm measured by either method. The total time taken for follicular measurements was significantly less (P < 0.01) for the automated 3D method (180.5 +/- 63.6 versus 236.1 +/- 57.1 s) which was associated with significantly less exposure to ultrasound (39.0 +/- 6.0 versus 236.10 +/- 57.1 s; P < 0.001). Automated 3D follicular measurements using sono-AVC provide a comparable but quicker assessment of follicle number and size.

First trimester neurosonoembryology with automated follicle tracking: Preliminary findings

We evaluated the feasibility of demonstration of the embryonic cerebral ventricles using three dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography and software which has been developed to automatically calculate the volume of ovarian follicles after ovarian stimulation. In four out of six subsequent ultrasound examinations which were done for determination of gestational age from eight to ten gestational weeks, sufficient resolution was obtained to demonstrate the embryonic cerebral ventricles with automated volume calculation software, yielding striking images of a dramatic stage of embryonic development.

Early pregnancy volume measurements: validation of ultrasound techniques and new perspectives

To investigate accuracy and reliability of four different ultrasound-related volume-measuring methods. Observational study. Both in vitro and in vivo. Ten phantoms for in vitro measurements and 28 pregnancies with gestational ages ranging from 6 to 11 weeks for in vivo measurements were included. Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound images of phantoms (with known variable contents) and yolk sacs were used to calculate volumes using four different methods: Virtual Organ Computed-Aided AnaLysis (VOCAL), inversion mode, Sono Automatic Volume Calculation (SonoAVC) and V-Scope. V-Scope is a newly developed 3D volume visualisation application using a Barco I-Space virtual reality system. Intra- and interobserver agreement was established by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Evaluation of accuracy and reliability by comparing the different techniques with true volumes (in vitro) and with each other (in vitro and in vivo). In the in vitro study, volume measurements by VOCAL, inversion mode and V-Scope proved to be accurate. SonoAVC measurements resulted in a substantial systematic underestimation. Correlation coefficients of measured versus true volumes were excellent in all four techniques. For all techniques, an intra- and interobserver agreement of at least 0.91 was found. Yolk sac measurements by the different techniques proved to be highly correlated (ICCs>0.91). We demonstrated that VOCAL, inversion mode and V-Scope can all be used to measure volumes of hypoechoic structures. The newly introduced V-Scope application proved to be accurate and reliable.

SonoAVC: a novel method of automatic volume calculation

To assess the ability of the new software SonoAVC to measure follicular volume and to compare these volume calculations with those made by conventional methods. Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging was used to acquire volumetric data from the ovaries of 51 women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation as part of in-vitro fertilization treatment. All assessments were performed on the day of oocyte retrieval and the true volume of each follicle was ascertained by manual measurement of the follicular aspirate. SonoAVC was used to automatically measure the volume of follicles and to provide three perpendicular diameters (xyz diameters), which were used to estimate volume using the sphere formula. The sphere formula was also used to estimate the volume from manual measurements of follicle diameter derived from conventional two-dimensional (2D) displays. Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) was also used to measure volume, and the validity of each technique was compared using limits of agreement. Two hundred and twenty-four follicles with a mean follicular volume of 3.7 (range, 0.4-16.2) cm(3) were studied. SonoAVC provided highly accurate automatic follicular volume measurements in all cases. Volume estimations made from the automatic maximal follicular diameter measurements (xyz diameters) were less valid. VOCAL proved highly valid but was less accurate than SonoAVC. Volumes estimated from manually derived follicular diameter measurements were the least accurate. SonoAVC provides highly valid, automatic measurements of follicular volume. These measurements are more accurate than volumes estimated from 2D manual measurements, automated measurements of follicular diameter and those calculated using VOCAL.

Automated follicle tracking facilitates standardization and may improve work flow

Automated follicle tracking facilitates standardization and may improve work flow

Calculation of wood volume and stem taper using terrestrial single-image close-range photogrammetry and contemporary software tools

A method of estimating trunk and branch volumes of single trees is presented that uses a combination of elementary field measurements, terrestrial photography, image rectification and on-screen digitising using commercial software packages and automated volume calculation. The method is applicable to a variety of different sized trees in situations where the trunks are clearly visible. Results for taper measurement and wood volume calculation are presented for Eucalyptus regnans F. von Muell., Sequoiadendron giganteum (Lindley) Buchholz and Quercus robur L. Branch allometrics are provided for E. regnans. The largest errors arose from field observations. If the trees are asymmetrical in cross-section (e.g. due to irregular buttressing or forked stems), or if there is no vantage point perpendicular to the direction of lean, then photographs from more than one side are recommended. Accuracy and precision of geometric reproduction by the image rectification process, and the volume calculation, were tested using mathematically generated tree components. The errors in the branch volumes of the virtual tree showed complex trends due to interacting factors. Volumes were underestimated by an average 0.5% for stems and 4% for branches. Due to the area deficit resulting from non-circular cross-sections of the buttress, overestimation of stem volumes could be as high as 10% on average for mature trees. However, the area deficit was known for E. regnans and incorporated into the volume calculation. The underestimation of volumes would help counteract over-estimation due to the area deficit. The application of this method to carbon accounting in forests and woodlands is explained.

Volume of cervical lymph nodes using 3D ultrasonography. Differentiation of metastatic from reactive lymphadenopathy in primary head and neck malignancy

To assess the usefulness of volume measurement using 3D US for depicting metastatic cervical lymph nodes. Thirty-five cervical lymph nodes in 13 patients with primary head and neck malignancy were included in this study. US with volume acquisition was prospectively performed with a 5-10 MHz linear mechanical volume probe. Volume measurement of the node was calculated using a 3D automatic volume calculation program. The excised nodes matched on US were examined histopathologically. The volume of malignant nodes ranged from 0.444 to 4.442 cm3, the volume of the benign nodes from 0.143 to 1.176 cm3. Combinations of high positive (>80%) and negative (>90%) predictive values were obtained at a cut-off value of 0.7 cm3. Volume measurement of cervical nodes using 3D US can be a useful tool for differentiating metastatic from benign nodes in patients with primary head and neck malignancy.

Volume of cervical lymph nodes using 3D ultrasonography. Differentiation of metastatic from reactive lymphadenopathy in primary head and neck malignancy.

To assess the usefulness of volume measurement using 3D US for depicting metastatic cervical lymph nodes. Thirty-five cervical lymph nodes in 13 patients with primary head and neck malignancy were included in this study. US with volume acquisition was prospectively performed with a 5-10 MHz linear mechanical volume probe. Volume measurement of the node was calculated using a 3D automatic volume calculation program. The excised nodes matched on US were examined histopathologically. The volume of malignant nodes ranged from 0.444 to 4.442 cm3, the volume of the benign nodes from 0.143 to 1.176 cm3. Combinations of high positive (>80%) and negative (>90%) predictive values were obtained at a cut-off value of 0.7 cm3. Volume measurement of cervical nodes using 3D US can be a useful tool for differentiating metastatic from benign nodes in patients with primary head and neck malignancy.

Knowledge-based segmentation of pediatric kidneys in CT for measurement of parenchymal volume.

The purpose of this work was to develop an automated method for segmenting pediatric kidneys in helical CT images and measuring their volume. An automated system was developed to segment the kidneys. Parametric features of anatomic structures were used to guide segmentation and labeling of image regions. Kidney volumes were calculated by summing included voxels. For validation, the kidney volumes of four swine were calculated using our approach and compared with the "true" volumes measured after harvesting the kidneys. Automated volume calculations were also performed in a cohort of nine children. The mean difference between the calculated and measured values in the swine kidneys was 1.38 ml. For the pediatric cases, calculated volumes ranged from 41.7 to 252.1 ml/kidney, and the mean ratio of right to left kidney volume was 0.96. These results demonstrate the accuracy of a volumetric technique that may in the future provide an objective assessment of renal damage.

Estimation of bladder wall location in ultrasound images

A method of automatically estimating the location of the bladder wall in ultrasound images is proposed. Obtaining this estimate is intended to be the first stage in the development of an automatic bladder volume calculation system. The first step in the bladder wall estimation scheme involves globally processing the images using standard image processing techniques to highlight the bladder wall. Separate processing sequences are required to highlight the anterior bladder wall and the posterior bladder wall. The sequence to highlight the anterior bladder wall involves Gaussian smoothing and second differencing followed by zero-crossing detection. Median filtering followed by thresholding and gradient detection is used to highlight as much of the rest of the bladder wall as was visible in the original images. Then a 'bladder wall follower'--a line follower with rules based on the characteristics of ultrasound imaging and the anatomy involved--is applied to the processed images to estimate the bladder wall location by following the portions of the bladder wall which are highlighted and filling in the missing segments. The results achieved using this scheme are presented.