SieScape: a new sonographic dimension with fictive images.

SieScape is a new data processor that produces continuous sonographic images of large structures. It works without mechanical control of position and can be used with any transducer. Its accuracy and reproducibility is relevant for measurements and has to be investigated. With the ultrasound equipment of Siemens, type Elegra (5- and 7-MHz linear array transducer), we did repetitive measurements of linear superficial distances, curved circumferences and diameters of human legs. Finally, we tried to do continuous investigations of vascular structures to produce SieScape images. The linear superficial distances of 150 mm were underestimated (147.4+/-3.3 mm). Diameter measurements of the calf, with an adjusted depth of 40 mm, tended to give more accurate values than measurements with a depth of 70 mm, which were all overestimated. The circumferences of the calf measured between superficial markers were calculated as too small. SieScape really provides new sonographic documentation. The SieScape images are fictive, because they do not exactly reproduce anatomic dimensions.