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Simple experiments which form the basis for a true 3-D demonstration of sectional images are presented and a method for genuine 3-D display of dynamic ultrasound images is described. Eight ultrasound images are recorded with a slightly different angulation of the transducer. The images are extracted from the video signal from a conventional ultrasound scanner and stored in eight digital memories. After recording, each image is displayed on an oscilloscope screen, which is viewed via a fast oscillating mirror. The position of the mirror determines which of the eight images are to be displayed and thereby ensures a correct spatial relationship of the images, resulting in a true 3-D scan presentation.

A 37-year-old man presented with hypertension and elevated urine catecholamine. Ultrasound scanning revealed a solid tumour of the right adrenal gland and two solid tumours in the retroperitoneum. The findings were confirmed with computed tomography and abdominal angiography. At surgery only the tumour of the right adrenal gland was removed. The histopathologic diagnosis was pheochromocytoma. Postoperatively the symptoms and biochemistry were unchanged and the patient was referred for further treatment. At ultrasonography and abdominal aortography 6 remaining tumours were demonstrated. Surgery was performed and 8 pheochromocytomas were extirpated (3 were closely spaced small tumours in a conglomerate corresponding to one of the visualized tumour sites). On histopathologic examination no signs of invasive growth were found. The patient recovered completely. The blood pressure was still normal 2 1/2 years later. Angiography and non-invasive examination of the entire abdomen and pelvis should be routine when pheochromocytomas are searched for.

Ultrasonically guided fine needle aspiration from 22 ultrasonically suspect enlarged parathyroid glands was performed in 21 consecutive patients with biochemically confirmed hyperparathyroidism. Histologic examination revealed parathyroid tissue in 20 and thyroid tissue in 2 of the 22 ultrasonically suspect parathyroid glands. The aspirated material (21 patients) was analysed for PTH content and compared with the PTH content in aspirates from corresponding thyroid tissue. In all but one, a higher PTH content was found in aspirates from parathyroid glands. Further, the aspirated material (16 patients) was cytologically examined for parathyroid cells. In 10 of 14 histologically confirmed parathyroid glands cells of parathyroid origin were found, but in 4 cases only cells of endocrine origin were seen. The results and the use of fine needle aspiration in relation to the ultrasonic findings are discussed.

Following kidney allotransplantation a great number of complications threaten the patient and his graft, e.g. acute tubular necrosis, acute and chronic rejection, urologic and vascular complications and complications due to the immunosuppressive treatment. During the last decade a number of technical developments in radionuclide, ultrasonographic and radiographic imaging and intervention has significantly improved the possibility of early recognition and handling of such complications. Knowledge of the capability and limitations of the various techniques is of vital importance for their rational use. The aim of this review article is to give a short description of the various imaging modalities, the rational monitoring of the post-transplant patient, and possible handling of complications by the aid of imaging techniques.