Rationale and objectives: We assessed the ability of a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging system to measure accurately prostate volume.
Methods: Multiple two-dimensional ultrasound images of cadaver prostates scanned in a water bath were reconstructed into three-dimensional (3D) images. The volumes of the prostates were calculated from these 3D images and compared with the actual volumes. Multiple 3D ultrasound volume readings were evaluated for precision.
Results: The slope of the best-fit line correlating 3D ultrasound estimated volume and true volume was 1.006 +/- 0.007. The average error was 0.36 +/- 1.17 cm3; the coefficient of determination (r2), which is the measure of the straight-line relationship, was .9997; and the standard error was 1.15 cm3.
Conclusion: Three-dimensional ultrasound images accurately reflect true prostate volumes measured in vitro.