Volume US of the urinary tract in pediatric patients-a pilot study.

Three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) adds functionality to two-dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS) by allowing examiners to explore volume datasets using multiplanar or rendering methods already familiar to radiologists. In this pilot study, 30 patients referred for ultrasound examination of the urinary tract were examined by 3DUS. Three abnormalities initially not detected by 2DUS were seen: bilateral bladder diverticulae, urachal remnant and bilateral accessory renal arteries. Rendered images of the bladder trigone were feasible in the majority of patients. Potential applications of this technology in pediatric uroradiology and technical pitfalls are illustrated.