Minimally-compressive, three- and four-dimensional ultrasound imaging of the clitoris: A feasibility study

• Published in: Ultrasound in medicine & biology Vol. 32; no. 10; pp. 1479 - 1484
• Main Authors: Deng, Jing, Crouch, Naomi S., Creighton, Sarah M., Linney, Alfred D., Todd-Pokropek, Andrew, Rodeck, Charles H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Inc 01.10.2006
• Subjects: Adult; Clitoris; Clitoris - diagnostic imaging; Dynamic morphology; Erectile tissue complex; Feasibility Studies; Female; Four-dimensional; Functional anatomy; Gels; Glans; Humans; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted - methods; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; Live 3D; Middle Aged; Minimally-compressive scanning; Pilot Projects; Real-time; Reproducibility of Results; Three-dimensional; Time Factors; Ultrasonography; Water; Four-dimensional; Clitoris; Functional anatomy; Three-dimensional; Dynamic morphology; Real-time; Live 3D; Ultrasonography; Erectile tissue complex; Minimally-compressive scanning
• ISSN: 0301-5629; 1879-291X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2006.06.006

There has been no objective means for imaging the three-dimensional (3D) morphology of the clitoris—a poorly understood, complex structure. A Live 3D ultrasound system with a matrix-array transducer was used for data acquisition from eight women. The transducer was positioned in front of and about 3 cm away from the clitoris, with a gel pad or water pad being placed in between. The pads allowed the delicate structures to be imaged without noticeable deformation. Quality images could be obtained with use of a water pad in all patients. The imaging volume was big enough to cover the clitoral glans and body simultaneously, allowing real-time 3D visualisation. To cover the entire clitoris, the probe was moved from one side of the crus to the other, or a four subvolume scan was performed. 3D clitoral anatomy was depicted from 71% of 51 water pad data-sets. The study demonstrates the feasibility of obtaining 3D clitoral ultrasound images. This will improve scientific and clinical understanding of the clitoral role in sexual activity. The minimally-compressive scanning offers an opportunity to visualise dynamic 3D (4D) morphology of other deformable body parts.