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According to Delcker, the 3D reconstructions yielded more precise reference points within the cerebral anatomy.

"Thanks to the workstation," Delcker said, "we knew that follow-up imaging was showing us exactly the same level and same region in each patient as before."

Also, with the prototype workstation and the 3D reconstructions it generates, the researchers were able to choose the best perspective for viewing the intracranial arteries. With 3D, relationships among the arteries were easier to see and understand.

Future applications of contrast-enhanced transcranial ultrasound and 3D reconstructions include pinpointing cerebral hemorrhages. Thus, Delcker and his German colleagues as well as researchers at Bowman Gray, where Delcker was a visiting professor from January through July, may soon apply the lessons learned from this study of adults to the study of neonatal patients.

With those very young patients, ease of obtaining images will help researchers who measure the volume of cerebral hemorrhages and then obtain follow-up imaging to evaluate reduction.

Thanks to 3D reconstructions, defraction artifacts and the approximate measurements they cause on 2D transcranial ultrasound will vanish, like an echo from the past.