3D-pulse-echo-tomography for breast cancer and rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis — add-on-system and latest in-vivo-results

In 2D 360° Spatial Compounding (SC) envelope detected pulse-echo data from a conventional linear probe is superimposed from 360° in parallel cross-sectional planes to improve B mode image quality. Latest research of our group has shown that extending this concept to 3D by utilizing a motorized 1D array (3D probe) brings along substantial gain in image quality and significance of 360°-SC for diagnosis. However, so far only initial in-vivo results, limited in image quality due to system performance, have been shown for a female breast. In this contribution we will present examples of latest 3D-360°-SC in-vivo results for a female breast and also for a finger joint demonstrating the promising potential of this modality for breast cancer and rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.