Purpose: The clinical utility of two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound (US) in the evaluation of renal transplant patients is limited by user dependence and restricted planar image capture. We have developed a novel point of care system to generate 3D image volumes from 2DUS. We demonstrate its application in renal transplant patients.

Methods: The research device (orientation sensor, screen capture device, and computer) plus 2DUS machine (Sonosite M-Turbo®) were used to capture image volumes of transplant kidneys in two recipients. Source images were obtained by sweeping the US transducer across the region of interest, without any attempt to identify specific structures during the acquisition. Acquisition and reconstruction times were automatically recorded. Volumes were reconstructed using a voxel-based algorithm designed by the research team (C++, Matlab). 3DSlicer (www.slicer.org) was used for image analysis.

Results: Image acquisition (n=22) required mean 9.57s; volume reconstruction required mean 0.87s for B-mode (n=13) and 4.79s for Doppler (n=9). Renal anatomy, Doppler blood flow, and a ureteral stent were identified in multiplanar and volumetric images (Figures 1 and 2).

Conclusions: Transplant kidney images were rapidly acquired and reconstructed for comprehensive, interactive visualization without restriction to selective planes. This low cost technology could advance the clinical utility of US in renal transplant imaging in the point of care setting.

CITATION INFORMATION: Salinaro J., Broder J., Jaffa E., Morgan M., Vikraman-Sushama D., Dahl J., Herickhoff C., Limkakeng A., Peethumnongsin E., Borawski J. Evaluation of Transplant Kidneys Using a Novel Point of Care 3D Ultrasound System Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).

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