Basics of Three-Dimensional Ultrasound and Applications in Reproductive Medicine

Abstract

Within the last few years, 3D ultrasound (US) has become an approved tool for use in the field of in vitro fertilization (IVF). An increasing number of publications within the last decade have demonstrated that the application of 3D sonography in medicine is superior to the conventional 2D techniques. Therefore, it is very likely that 3D US will play an increasingly important role in assisted reproductive techniques (ART) such as follicle monitoring or in the detection of pelvic pathologies. However, as 3D US is still a new tool, there is often a lack of standardization. Moreover, many aspects of this innovative technique and its novel instruments are often not well understood by many operators. Therefore, 3D US application often lags behind its scope. This chapter will address the basic principles and techniques for producing 3D US images and how to optimize image quality. We will discuss its technical capabilities as well as its limitations, such as artifacts due to improper calibration. In addition, a short list of clinical applications for this technique will be presented.