Towards a More Objective Visualization of the Midbrain and its Surroundings Using 3D Transcranial Ultrasound

Introduction: Ultrasound investigations of the midbrain have been proven to be sensitive for the detection of changes associated with movement disorders [Berg et al., 2008]. A critical issue about this method remains a dependency upon the observer and his experience. To reduce inter-rater variability, a 3D analysis of e.g. echo-hyperintense Substantia nigra (SN) structures would be beneficial. Therefore we are on the way to develope a system which enables us to reconstruct a more objective 3D structure on the basis of the far used 2D ultrasound data. Material and Methods: Freehand 3D Ultrasound acquisition combi…