Radiology Volume Calculator

Overview:

3- dimensional volume measurements are far superior to 2- dimensional measurements as anatomical and pathological structures can have one dimension skewed. For eg. A tumor can be small in the axial dimensions but can be oblong giving rise to a larger volume than what would have been estimated using two dimensions. These volume measurements are also ideal for follow up of tumors post-treatment as these tend to have irregular shapes.

Although direct volumetric measurements are ideal, this may not be feasible in all cases as it is time-consuming. Volume calculations are a good alternative. That said volume may not be feasible in all conditions are a single-dimension can also be useful.

The generic formula for calculating volume on ultrasound / CT / MRI is length x breadth x height x 0.523, which assumes that most structures are ellipsoid (like an ellipsoid). A few modifications of these formulae have been developed which have been integrated into the above formula. The above calculator has formulae for calculating the following:

Generic volume calculator
- Calculate the volume for abscesses.
- Ovarian volume calculator (useful for ultrasound diagnosis of polycystic ovaries).
- Calculate the volume of ovarian cysts.
- Mass lesion volume.
- Calculate the volume for other lesions that have somewhat ellipsoid shape.
Bladder volume calculator ( to calculate pre and post-void bladder volumes on ultrasound – useful to rule out urinary retention).
Prostate volume calculator for ultrasound and MRI.
Thyroid volume calculator.
Testicular volume calculator.
Renal volume calculator: Especially important in ADPKD patients. Read this article to find out why: ADPKD : What else the radiologist MUST report!

For prostate volume the bullet shape formula is found to be more accurate as compared to the ellipsoid formula however, PIRADS 2.1 still recommends the ellipsoid formula so we have kept it the same.

PSA density is a better measure than PSA alone to gauge the risk of prostate cancer. It is calculated by dividing the PSA by the prostate volume.

Also, do read our article on normal radiological measurements and reference values:

Normal radiology reference values and measurements

References:

Disclaimer: Do note that these values are reference purposes only and may not be accurate. Each institution has its own policy and readers are encouraged to follow those. Also, these values have to be interpreted in the appropriate clinical context. The authors cannot be held liable for any mistake of harm resulting from the use of this website or its content.

Last Updated on March 19, 2020

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Dr. Amar Udare, MD

Radiologist at RadioGyan.com

I have completed medical school from KEM Hospital Mumbai and radiology residency from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. I am a board-certified radiologist in India.

I have also completed fellowships in body imaging from Mumbai and Ottawa and am currently pursuing a fellowship in cross-section imaging at McMaster University, Canada.

I have a passion for teaching and my area of interest is body imaging. I started the website, RadioGyan to share radiology resources and cases to help residents and radiologists.

You can read my most recent publications on: PubMed and Google Scholar

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