The Merit of Electronic Linear Scan Ultrasonic Tomography of the Orbit

Abstract

In this paper the electronic linear-scanning ultrasonography is compared to the mechanical sector scanning method in optic nerve and orbital lesions. Mechanical sector scanners display the optic nerve as if it were wedge-shaped. The posterior enlargement of the diameter is an acoustic artefact. On the contrary, electronic linear scanners show the optic nerve straight as it is. For evaluating orbital tumors, it is important to see the optic nerve accurately, for the purpose of the tumor site determination. Therefore, the electronic linear scanner is considered to be superior to the mechanical sector scanner. This statement is supported by four case reports.