Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, image processing apparatus, and image processing method

An image processing apparatus comprising:

• processing circuitry configured to serve as
• a first acquirer to acquire a 3D ultrasonic image including a heart for one or more phases;
• a first generator to generate a first cross-sectional image showing a cross-section of the 3D ultrasonic image which includes a first axis passing through a second portion in the 3D ultrasonic image and which includes a third portion, the second portion being a portion by which one of blood inflow into a first portion which is an atrium or a ventricle and blood outflow from the first portion is performed, and the third portion being a portion by which another of the blood inflow into the first portion and the blood outflow from the first portion is performed;
• a second generator to generate a second cross-sectional image showing a cross-section of the 3D ultrasonic image which includes a second axis passing through the third portion in the first cross-sectional image, and which intersects with the first cross-sectional image;
• and
• a display controller configured to perform control of displaying the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image.

An image processing method comprising:

• acquiring a 3D ultrasonic image including a heart for one or more phases;
• generating a first cross-sectional image showing a cross-section of the 3D ultrasonic image which includes a first axis passing through a second portion in the 3D ultrasonic image and which includes a third portion, the second portion being a portion by which one of blood inflow into a first portion which is an atrium or a ventricle and blood outflow from the first portion is performed, and the third portion being a portion by which another of the blood inflow into the first portion and the blood outflow from the first portion is performed;
• generating a second cross-sectional image showing a cross-section of the 3D ultrasonic image which includes a second axis passing through the third portion in the first cross-sectional image, and which intersects with the first cross-sectional image;
• and
• performing control of displaying the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image.