A comparative study of the diagnostic accuracy of the medical image three-dimensional visualization system, MRCP, CT and US in hepatolithiasis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the results of the Three-Dimensional Visualization System (MI-3DVS or 3D) in the diagnostic accuracy of hepatolithiasis. METHODOLOGY: From February 2007 to March 2013, forty-eight patients with hepatolithiasis were admitted to our department. Meanwhile, choosing forty-one patients without hepatolithiasis as controlgroup. MI-3DVS, MRCP, CT, and US were performed and the results of these imaging methods in detecting calculi distribution, bile duct dilatation/stricture, and liver atrophy/hypertrophy were analyzed. RESULTS: The total display accuracy on bile duct stricture/dilatation using by 3D was higher than using by MRCP, CT, US. The total accuracy of 3D in detecting the liver atrophy was 96.6%, which was superior to that of US (p=0.009) and CT (p=0.044), and there was no significant difference compared with MRCP (P=0.120). The results on diagnosis of calculi distribution by 3D was better than US (p=0.003) and MRCP (p=0.029), but had no significantly difference compared with CT (P=0.246), and they were all close to intraoperative findings. CONCLUSIONS: MI-3DVS could be used to select patients with hepatolithiasis as a supplement approach to other imaging methods and as an innovative means in pre-operative assessment and post-operative follow-ups in hepatolithiasis.