Three-dimensional Ultrasonography Research Articles

Toward assessment of rupture risk predictors in abdominal aortic aneurysms including intraluminal thrombus based on 3D+t ultrasound images.

Image-based patient-specific rupture risk analysis for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) has shown considerable promise. However, clinical translation has been hampered by the use of invasive and costly imaging modalities. Despite being a promising alternative, ultrasound (US) makes a full analysis, including intraluminal thrombus (ILT), not trivial. This study explored the feasibility of assessing AAA rupture risk parameters, e.g., peak wall stress (PWS) and peak wall rupture index (PWRI), using US-based models of the AAA wall, finally including ILT. Three-dimensional US data were segmented from a group of AAA patients whose CT data were available within 30 days. The segmented vessel wall and ILT boundaries were converted into a mesh including and excluding ILT to evaluate the effect of adding ILT on the model output. US-based rupture risk parameters (PWS and PWRI) were compared to CT-based results. The US-based PWS and PWRI, including ILT, showed good agreement with CT-based results, and the model excluding ILT showed no significant bias in wall stress or rupture index. When including ILT, a lower US-based wall stress and rupture index of 7.2% and 3.8% were found, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of PWS was 0.60. The highest ICC was found for the PWRI (ICC = 0.86), indicating good absolute agreement. This study showed that PWRI can be estimated with US when including the ILT, yielding comparable results to CT, and good absolute agreement. Future work should focus on improving the contrast of ILT in US, since this will be essential to performing large-scale studies in AAA cohorts.

Deep learning-based segmentation of abdominal aortic aneurysms and intraluminal thrombus in 3D ultrasound images.

Ultrasound (US)-based patient-specific rupture risk analysis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) has shown promising results. Input for these models is the patient-specific geometry of the AAA. However, segmentation of the intraluminal thrombus (ILT) remains challenging in US images due to the low ILT-blood contrast. This study aims to improve AAA and ILT segmentation in time-resolved three-dimensional (3D + t) US images using a deep learning approach. In this study a "no new net" (nnU-Net) model was trained on 3D + t US data using either US-based or (co-registered) computed tomography (CT)-based annotations. The optimal training strategy for this low-contrast data was determined for a limited dataset. The merit of augmentation was investigated, as well as the inclusion of low-contrast areas. Segmentation results were validated with CT-based geometries as the ground truth. The model trained on CT-based masks showed the best performance in terms of DICE index, Hausdorff distance, and diameter differences, covering a larger part of the AAA. With a higher accuracy and less manual input the model outperforms conventional methods, with a mean Hausdorff distance of 4.4mm for the vessel and 7.8mm for the lumen. However, visibility of the lumen-ILT interface remains the limiting factor, necessitating improvements in image acquisition to ensure broader patient inclusion and enable rupture risk assessment of AAAs in the future.

ANTRAL FOLLICLE COUNT (AFC): AN EXPLORATORY STUDY USING THREE-DIMENSIONAL ULTRASOUND (3DUS)

ANTRAL FOLLICLE COUNT (AFC): AN EXPLORATORY STUDY USING THREE-DIMENSIONAL ULTRASOUND (3DUS)

Artificial Intelligence for Total Kidney Volume Measurements in Pediatric ADPKD: Comparison of Three-Dimensional Ultrasonography with Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Artificial Intelligence for Total Kidney Volume Measurements in Pediatric ADPKD: Comparison of Three-Dimensional Ultrasonography with Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Strengthening Cu-containing high entropy alloys through ultrasonic solidification constructed heterostructures

The solidification process of FeCoNiCu1.5Al0.2 high-entropy alloy (HEA) with two FCC phases was modulated by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasounds with 20 kHz frequency and 22 μm amplitude. The statically solidified alloy was composed of a primary γ1 phase growing into coarse dendrites and a Cu-rich γ2 phase dispersed in interdendritic spacings. Once 3D ultrasounds were applied, the primary γ1 phase was refined into small equiaxed grains and the secondary γ2 phase was distributed around their grain boundaries. Based on the estimation of local sound pressure and undercooling, as well as acoustic spectra examination, it is concluded that transient cavitation was the dominant reason for the formation of tiny equiaxed γ1 phase by remarkably increasing local nucleation rate, which also promoted the generation of connected γ2 phase together with acoustic streaming effect. The yield strength, ultimate strength and total elongation for ultrasonically solidified alloy sample were simultaneously enhanced by 73 %, 54 % and 13 %, which were up to 605 MPa, 845 MPa and 35 % respectively. According to LUR tests and dislocation characterization, both hetero-deformation induced (HDI) strengthening and grain refinement strengthening contributed to the increase of yield strength, while the former mainly enhanced ultimate strength and ductility synergistically. This indicates that 3D ultrasonic solidification provides an effective approach to overcoming the strength-ductility trade-off for Cu-containing HEAs.

The Correlation between Small Placental Volume Measured by Three-dimensional Ultrasonography and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: An Observational Study

Objective: The placenta is a vital organ in the growth and development of fetuses within the uterus. The size of the placenta is positively associated with fetal well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate any potential correlation between placental volume and negative pregnancy outcomes. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, Thailand between October 2023 and February 2024. Subjects were singleton pregnant women ever the age of 18 without underlying diseases, namely: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and autoimmune diseases. Ultrasonography was performed between the gestational ages of 28 and 36 weeks. Placental volume was measured via 3-dimensional ultrasonography and analyzed with maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results: A total of 132 participants were recruited. The mean age of participants was 28.6 years old. The abnormal (AV) and normal (NV) placental volume groups consisted of 14 and 118 cases, respectively. The AV group was older, with higher parity, cesarean delivery rate, and estimated blood loss. This group’s newborns had lower Apgar scores rated at 1 and 5 minutes and more neonatal complications than the NV group (with statistical significance). Maternal age exceeding 34 years could also be used to predict abnormal placental volume with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) at percentages of 57.1, 81.4, 26.7 and 94.1, respectively. Conclusion: There is a correlation between placental volume abnormality and certainly adverse outcomes for newborns. Maternal age greater than 34 is associated with higher occurrence of placental volume abnormality.

High-intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation Combined with Hysteroscopy for the Treatment of Uterine Arteriovenous Fistula Associated with Retained Products of Conception: A Prospective Cohort Study

To evaluate the efficacy of combining high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation with hysteroscopic removal of retained products of conception in the presence of a uterine arteriovenous fistula (UAVF). Prospective cohort study SETTING: Tertiary hospital. 17 patients with UAVF and retained products of conception. HIFU ablation combined with hysteroscopic removal of retained products of conception RESULTS: All patients presented with irregular vaginal bleeding following pregnancy termination and not responsive to medical treatment. Patients were confirmed to have a UAVF along with concurrent intrauterine residue using three-dimensional color Doppler ultrasonography, uterine angiography, or pelvic-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging; and demonstrated a poor response to medical treatment. Under real-time ultrasound guidance, HIFU was used to ablate the arteriovenous malformation region. Patients underwent hysteroscopic removal of retained products of conception; the removed tissue was subjected to pathological examination. All patients underwent monthly uterine color Doppler ultrasound examinations and menstrual status follow-up within 3 months postoperatively and showed normal menstrual recovery without signs of arteriovenous malformations on ultrasonography. Pathological examination of the tissues removed during hysteroscopic clearance revealed characteristics consistent with pregnancy, with abnormal blood vessels in some tissues. All patients experienced normal menstrual recovery postoperatively, without intrauterine adhesions. Combining HIFU ablation with postoperative hysteroscopic surgery effectively treats pregnancy related UAVF with minimal complications, preserves fertility; it offers an additional treatment option for patients wanting future fertility.

Clinically significant changes in anal sphincter hiatal area in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and pelvic organ prolapse.

The prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) increases with age and parity. Specifically, the prevalence of POP among women aged 20 to 39 is 9.7%, while it rises to 49% among women over 80 years old. Additionally, as the number of deliveries increases, the prevalence of POP also rises accordingly, with a rate of 12.8% for women with one delivery history, 18.7% for those with two deliveries, and 24.6% for women with three or more deliveries. It causes immense suffering for pregnant women. To evaluate the relationship between the levator ani muscle's hiatus (LH) area and POP in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) using perineal ultra-sound. The study cohort comprised 104 patients aged 29.8 ± 3.7 years who sought medical care at our institution between January 2021 and June 2023. All were singleton pregnancies consisting of 75 primiparas and 29 multiparas, with an average parity of 1.7 ± 0.5. According to the POP diagnostic criteria, the 104 subjects were divided into two groups with 52 members each: POP group (patients with GDM combined with POP) and non-POP group (patients with GDM without POP). Perineal ultrasound was used to measure differences in the anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, and LH area. Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn to determine the optimal cutoff values for the LH anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, and area for diagnosing POP. Statistically significant increase in the LH area, anteroposterior diameter, and lateral diameter were observed in the POP group compared with the non-POP group (P < 0.05). Both groups exhibited markedly elevated incidence rates of macrosomia and stress urinary incontinence. For the POP group, the area under the curve (AUC) for the LH area was 0.906 with a 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.824-0.988. The optimal cutoff was 13.54cm², demonstrating a sensitivity of 83.2% and a specificity of 64.4%. The AUC for the anteroposterior diameter reached 0.836 with a 95%CI: 0.729-0.943. The optimal cutoff was 5.53 cm with a sensitivity of 64.2% and a specificity of 73.4%. For the lateral diameter, its AUC was 0.568 with a 95%CI: 0.407-0.729. The optimal cutoff was 4.67 cm, displaying a sensitivity of 65.9% and a specificity of 69.3%. Logistic regression analysis unveiled that age, body weight, number of childbirths, total number of pregnancies, and gestational weight gain constituted the independent risk factors for the cooccurrence of GDM and POP. Three-dimensional perineal ultrasonography of LH size and shape changes can effectively diagnose POP. Age, weight, number of births, number of pregnancies, and weight gain during pregnancy are independent risk factors affecting the cooccurrence of GDM and POP. GDM can increase the LH area in patients, and an enlarged LH leads to an increased incidence of POP.

Value of transperineal three-dimensional ultrasonography in diagnosis of pelvic floor dysfunction.

To investigate the correlation between three-dimensional ultrasonography parameters and pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and its application value in diagnosis and treatment. 92 patients with PFD and 22 without who underwent three-dimensional ultrasonography were selected. Transperineal three-dimensional ultrasonography was performed by Voluson E8 color Doppler ultrasonography to analyze the anteroposterior diameter (LHAD), transverse diameter (LHLD), pelvic diaphragmatic hiatus area (LHA), and bladder neck mobility (BND) of the patients. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound parameters in PFD were analyzed using ROC curves. Paired sample t test was used to analyze the improvement of PFMT in patients with PFD. Patients with PFD had significantly higher levels of △LHAD, △LHLD, △LHA and BND than controls (all P < 0.01). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that △LHA or BND levels were independent risk factors for the development of PFD. The ROC results showed that the area under the ROC curve with BND level was the highest (0.917). The diagnostic sensitivity of BND in PFD was 100.0% and the specificity was 70.7%. In Urinary incontinence (UI) patients, there was a significant positive correlation between the occurrence of UI and BND levels (all r > 0, P < 0.05). After PFMT treatment, the levels of △LHAD, △LHLD, △LHA and BND in patients with PFD were significantly decreased (all P < 0.001). The abnormal changes in the level of three-dimensional ultrasound parameters can be used as a sensitive indicator to evaluate PFD and a guiding parameter for PFMT treatment. The feasibility of operation and repetition by three-dimensional pelvic floor ultrasonography could provide a reliable imaging basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment of patients with PFD.

A prospective study examining the value of three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography during the diagnosis and evaluation of Asherman syndrome

Research questionWhat is the value of three-dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) in the diagnosis and assessment of Asherman syndrome? DesignThis was a prospective study conducted at a hysteroscopy centre. ResultsA total of 685 participants were recruited, 65 dropped out and 620 were finally enrolled and analysed. The overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 3D-TVS in the diagnosis of Asherman syndrome were 95.7%, 80.7% and 93.5%, respectively, and the sensitivity and accuracy were significantly higher than those of two-dimensional (2D) TVS (P < 0.001). The likelihood of 2D-TVS missing a case of mild intrauterine adhesions (IUA) was 43.7%, compared with only 6.2% for 3D-TVS. The frequency of involvement of each anatomical area by adhesions in decreasing order was right and left uterine side walls (both 80%), central or mid-cavity (31%), right cornual region (26%), left cornual region (23%), fundal wall (15%) and isthmus (4.5%). The correlation between 3D-TVS and hysteroscopy in each of the seven anatomical areas was analysed separately. The results showed good agreement with regard to the three uterine walls (fundus, left lateral and right lateral), with kappa values of 0.678–0.811. The likelihood of the IUA being severe in nature when there were five or more areas, three or four areas, or one or two areas was 82%, 37.1% and 6.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). ConclusionsThe diagnostic value of 3D-TVS is higher than that of 2D-TVS. In clinical practice, 3D-TVS should whenever possible replace 2D-TVS as the initial method of assessment to decide if hysteroscopy is necessary and to help with planning surgery.

Three-Dimensional Ultrasonography Compared with Histopathology for the Diagnosis of Adenomyosis: A Prospective Study

Three-Dimensional Ultrasonography Compared with Histopathology for the Diagnosis of Adenomyosis: A Prospective Study

Use of 3D Anorectal Ultrasonography in the Preoperative Assessment of Complex Anal Fistulas and Patterns of Healing, Failure, and Recurrence After Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT).

To use three-dimensional anorectal ultrasonography (3D-US) to evaluate the outcome of ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) in patients with crypto-glandular transsphincteric fistula and describing the patterns of healing, failure, and recurrence rate. After classifying the fistula and determining the length of the sphincter muscle to be transected, the patients were submitted to LIFT. The accuracy of pre- and postoperative 3D-US with 360° endoprobe (16 MHz) with automatic scanning and clinical findings was evaluated against surgical findings. Three outcomes were considered: healing, failure (persistent anal fistula through the original external opening or intersphincteric), and recurrence (reappearance of the anal fistula). Sixty-three patients of both sexes were evaluated. The 3D-US assessment revealed primary healing in 50 (79.3%) patients, although in 6 (9.5%) cases healing was delayed and the cavity was without communication with the anal canal. The procedure failed in 9 (15.9%) and fistula recurred in 4 (6.3%), all of whom underwent a second surgery based on a new 3D-US, resulting in a 92.3% (12/13) healing rate on 3D-US. A 3D-US was found to be useful in the preoperative assessment of fistulas by quantifying the percentage of muscle to be transected, and in the postoperative assessment by identifying healing, types of failure, and recurrence. The 3D-US was accurate and consistent with surgical findings.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Bilateral Meromelia Coexisting With Duodenal Atresia: Case Report of a Rare Anomalous Combination With Three-Dimensional Sonography

A rare case of bilateral fetal meromelia with duodenal atresia (DA) was diagnosed on three-dimensional (3D) sonography. A 32-year-old G3P2002 with a large for date uterus, was reviewed at 26 weeks’ gestation. The 3D sonogram confirmed the presence of the humerus, olecranon process, and only the proximal third of the ulna bone, bilaterally. The distal ulna, radius, metacarpals, and phalanges were absent on both upper limbs. The bones of the lower limbs were present and appropriate for gestational age. Further evaluation revealed the “double bubble” sign, which is characteristic of DA within the fetal abdomen. The patient was induced 2 weeks later, due to intrauterine fetal demise. The suspected fetal anomalies were confirmed at birth. A high index of suspicion and a detailed sonographic evaluation are essential for detecting rare fetal anomalies, such as meromelia.

Is three-dimensional ultrasonography a valuable diagnostic tool for patients with ovarian cancer? Systematic review and meta-analysis.

This paper was to assess the diagnostic performance and clinical value of three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS), three-dimensional ultrasonography power Doppler (3DPD), and 3DUS combined with 3DPD in ovarian cancer (OC). The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD 42023405765). PubMed and Web of Science were searched from inception to 25 January 2022, and reference lists of potentially eligible studies were also manually searched. Patient and study characteristics were extracted by two independent reviewers. Any discrepancies were addressed through discussion. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio (PLR and NLR, respectively), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were pooled separately. We retrieved 2,566 studies, of which 18 were finally enrolled, with 2,548 cases. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, and AUC for 3DUS were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.85-0.93), 0.93 (95% CI: 0.88-0.96), 13.1 (95% CI: 7.3-23.4), 0.11 (95% CI: 0.08-0.16), and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.87-0.93), respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, and AUC for 3DPD were 0.90 (95% CI: 0.80-0.95), 0.85 (95% CI: 0.71-0.92), 5.8 (95% CI: 3.0-11.2), 0.12 (95% CI: 0.06-0.24), and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.91-0.96), respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, and AUC for 3DUS combined with 3DPD were 0.99 (95% CI: 0.73-1.00), 0.95 (95% CI: 0.85-0.99), 21.9 (95% CI: 6.1-78.9), 0.01 (95% CI: 0.00-0.37), and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98-1.00), respectively. 3DUS, 3DPD, and 3DUS combined with 3DPD are promising diagnostic tools for OC, alongside elevated sensitivity and specificity. However, the combination of 3DUS and 3DPD techniques has higher diagnostic efficiency. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD 42023405765.

Three-dimensional Sonography in the Evaluation of Normal and Abnormal Fetal Face

Three-dimensional Sonography in the Evaluation of Normal and Abnormal Fetal Face

Multiethnic growth standards for fetal body composition and organ volumes derived from 3D ultrasonography

BackgroundA major goal of contemporary obstetrical practice is to optimize fetal growth and development throughout pregnancy. To date, fetal growth during prenatal care is assessed by performing ultrasonographic measurement of two-dimensional fetal biometry to calculate an estimated fetal weight. Our group previously established two-dimensional fetal growth standards using sonographic data from a large cohort with multiple sonograms. A separate objective of that investigation involved the collection of fetal volumes from the same cohort. ObjectiveThe Fetal 3D Study was designed to establish standards for fetal soft tissue and organ volume measurements by three-dimensional ultrasonography and compare growth trajectories with conventional two-dimensional measures where applicable. Study DesignThe NICHD Fetal 3D Study included research-quality images of singletons collected in a prospective, racially and ethnically diverse, low-risk cohort of pregnant individuals at 12 U.S. sites, with up to five scans per fetus (N=1,730 fetuses). Abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness was measured from two-dimensional images and fetal limb soft tissue parameters extracted from three-dimensional multiplanar views. Cerebellar, lung, liver and kidney volumes were measured using virtual organ computer aided analysis (VOCAL). Fractional arm and thigh total volumes, and fractional lean limb volumes were measured, with fractional limb fat volume calculated by subtracting lean from total. For each measure, weighted curves (5th, 50th, 95th percentiles) were derived from 15-41 weeks’ using linear mixed models for repeated measures with cubic splines. ResultsSubcutaneous thickness of the abdomen, arm, and thigh increased linearly, with slight acceleration around 27-29 weeks. Fractional volumes of the arm, thigh, and lean limb volumes increased along a quadratic curvature, with acceleration around 29-30 weeks. In contrast, growth patterns for two-dimensional humerus and femur lengths demonstrated a logarithmic shape, with fastest growth in the 2nd trimester. The mid-arm area curve was similar in shape to fractional arm volume, with an acceleration around 30 weeks, whereas the curve for the lean arm area was more gradual. The abdominal area curve was similar to the mid-arm area curve with an acceleration around 29 weeks. The mid-thigh and lean area curves differed from the arm areas by exhibiting a deceleration at 39 weeks. The growth curves for the mid arm and thigh circumferences were more linear with some decelerations. Cerebellar two-dimensional diameter increased linearly, whereas cerebellar three-dimensional volume growth gradually accelerated until 32 weeks and then decelerated. Lung, kidney, and liver volumes all demonstrated gradual early growth followed by a linear acceleration beginning at 25 weeks for lungs, 26-27 weeks for kidneys, and 29 weeks for liver. ConclusionGrowth patterns and timing of maximal growth for three-dimensional lean and fat measures, limb and organ volumes differed from patterns revealed by traditional two-dimensional growth measures, suggesting these parameters reflect unique facets of fetal growth. Growth in these three-dimensional measures may be altered by genetic, nutritional, metabolic or environmental influences and pregnancy complications, in ways not identifiable using corresponding two-dimensional measures. Further investigation into the relationships of these three-dimensional standards to abnormal fetal growth, adverse perinatal outcomes, and health status in postnatal life is warranted.

Three-dimensional sonography has satisfied accuracy for detecting rotator cuff tears.

Rotator cuff injuries and tears are common causes of shoulder pain and dysfunction, necessitating accurate diagnostic methods to guide clinical decision-making. This study evaluates the diagnostic utility of three-dimensional (3D) shoulder sonography in identifying rotator cuff injury and tear patterns. A comprehensive search across seven electronic databases, which included Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine (CBM) database, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP database. These databases were utilized to retrieve articles that assess the diagnostic value of 3D shoulder sonography for identifying rotator cuff injuries and tear patterns. The effectiveness of 3D shoulder sonography was assessed in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). For each parameter, the 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Additionally, summary receiver operating characteristic curves (SROCs) were constructed, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of diagnostic accuracy, which is reflected in the area under the SROC curve (AUC). Screening of 8,508 identified nine literatures eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis, encompassing a total of 366 patients. The analysis of detecting any rotator cuff tear revealed a sensitivity of 0.97 and specificity of 0.87, yielding a DOR of 90.03 and an AUC of 0.98. Furthermore, 3D shoulder sonography demonstrated satisfactory accuracy in detecting both full and partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (Sensitivity: 0.92 vs. 0.83, specificity: 0.94 vs. 097, and AUC: 0.96 vs. 0.95). This study indicates that three-dimensional sonography has satisfied accuracy for detecting rotator cuff tears.

Carotid plaque volume measurement in ischemic stroke: A pilot study

Objectives: Carotid atherosclerosis is a significant risk factor for acute ischemic stroke. Three-dimensional (3D) sonography is a new technique that can be used to analyze carotid plaque both quantitatively and qualitatively. The aim was to study carotid atherosclerosis in stroke patients and healthy controls in terms of plaque volume quantification by 3D ultrasound (US). Materials and Methods: An observational descriptive study was conducted in the stroke unit of a university referral hospital in South India. Patients with ischemic stroke between the ages of 20 and 70 years were studied, along with age- and sex-matched controls. Carotid sonography (2D and 3D) along with Doppler studies was done in all patients, using Philips Affiniti 50 US system. Vascular plaque quantification software was used to assess plaque volume. Results: Twenty-four subjects were recruited, and two were excluded from the study. Twelve were cases, and ten were controls. The mean carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) (average CIMT in six sites in common carotid artery, three on each side) studied in patients was 0.65 ± 0.10 mm, while that for healthy subjects was 0.62 ± 0.06 mm. The mean plaque volume in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack was 179.82 ± 310.3 mm3, and that in healthy subjects was 56.75 ± 69.6 mm3. Plaque heterogeneity, surface irregularity, and ulceration were found to be common in symptomatic carotid plaques. Conclusion: The 3D sonography is a non-invasive and simple feasible tool for the analysis of carotid plaque.

The Role of Sonography in the Case of Congenital Uterine Abnormality: Potential for an Improved Pregnancy Outcome

Three-dimensional (3D) sonography is a valuable imaging technique to evaluate the uterus and distinguish the different types of congenital uterine abnormalities. The provided case series demonstrates the unique diagnostic patient findings of a bicornuate uterus and an incompetent cervix. The patient presented over a series of multiple pregnancies that used cervical cerclage, to achieve an improved maternal-fetal outcome. In this patient, her uterine anomaly was diagnosed prior to pregnancy. During each gestation, close diagnostic attention was paid to the shape of the uterus, the location of the gestational, and the cervical length, by using transvaginal sonography. This imaging surveillance played an important diagnostic role in providing a better patient outcome for the patient’s multiple pregnancies. Continued research into the use of 3D sonography, for this specific diagnostic application, is needed to accelerate its use in determining the specific location of gestational sac(s).

Mechanical and electrical performances of ternary Cu-2.8%Ni-0.7%Si alloy modulated by ultrasonic solidification

One-dimensional (1D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasounds were introduced into the solidification process of ternary Cu-2.8wt%Ni-0.7wt%Si alloy together with the in-situ measurements of acoustic fields. In the case of 1D ultrasound, stable cavitation was the main form of acoustic energy transmission. The grain size of α-Cu dendrites was reduced because stable cavitation improved the wetting between impurities and alloy melt, which further promoted nucleation process. When 3D ultrasounds were applied, transient cavitation was the dominant mode of acoustic energy dissipation. This induced local high undercooling in alloy melt, causing a significant increase in bulk nucleation rates and the formation of numerous tiny α-Cu equiaxed grains. Meanwhile, as ultrasonic dimension increased, the strengthened acoustic streaming accelerated solute and thermal diffusion and weakened the preferred orientation of growing α-Cu grains. The proportion of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) increased consequently, which suppressed the nucleation and growth of δ-Ni2Si discontinuous precipitates (DPs) during subsequent annealing treatment. The tensile strength and electrical conductivity of 3D ultrasonically solidified alloy after annealing reached 688.2 MPa and 2.7×107 S/m respectively, showing obvious advantages in synergetic mechanical and electrical performances.