Clinical application of a new method that segments the region of interest into multiple layers for RF amplitude histogram analysis in the cirrhotic liver

Abstract

These results suggest that the new method can be used to diagnose the cirrhotic liver objectively.

Comparison of ultrasound colored image views produced by application of statistical analysis of radio-frequency signals and histological findings in patients with chronic hepatitis C

“…On the other hand, a correlation between histological changes and acoustic characteristics has been reported in quantitative studies using statistical analysis of RF signal amplitude (a more objective method of evaluation) [11][12][13][14][15][16][17], but this correlation has not yet been made use of in clinical practice. One reason is the difficulty of linking the results of statistical analysis to findings from B-mode images.…”

“…In recent years, tissue characterization of the liver has been used as a simple, objective alternative to liver biopsy; this involves statistical analysis of the speckle signal from the liver parenchyma [11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. The results from these studies have revealed there is a correlation between histological changes and acoustic characteristics, although acoustic characteristics have not yet been applied in clinical practice.…”

Proposal of a parametric imaging method for quantitative diagnosis of liver fibrosis

“…Our group also quantified liver fibrosis by analyzing the echo amplitude envelope [18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. Envelope statistics are often used for tissue characterization using ultrasound [13,15]. It is possible to roughly estimate the progress of fibrosis by previous research results including our research.…”

“…In ultrasound tissue characterization based on the characteristics of the echo signal such as power spectrum, texture parameters, local attenuation, and statistical characteristics, it is assumed that changes in tissue properties such as attenuation and elasticity are uniform in the liver, and a single evaluation index is therefore used in many methods [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. Our group also quantified liver fibrosis by analyzing the echo amplitude envelope [18][19][20][21][22][23][24].…”

Usefulness of textural analysis as a tool for noninvasive liver fibrosis staging

“…There are several approaches found in the literature. Some authors have evaluated the RF signal [1,2], while others have proposed some visual scores [3,4], but most authors have employed a texture analysis system to discriminate between various fibrosis stages [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14].…”