[Tissue harmonic imaging sonography. Is the image quality in routine abdominal ulstrasound improved?].

PURPOSE

Evaluation and statistical analysis of the influence of THI with pulse-inversion technology on image quality in abdominal ultrasound in comparison to conventional sonography.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In 25 patients 398 ultrasound images of the abdomen were evaluated in a prospective, double blind study. 49% of the images were obtained with THI sonography, 51% with conventional sonography, respectively. Image parameter, anatomical region and image plane were kept constant by using a switchable ultrasound probe. Image contrast, delineation of organs, detection of vessels and artifacts in cystic structures were evaluated by four radiologists using a 3-grade scale. The interobserver variability was determined.

RESULTS

The results of all groups showed statistically significant improvement compared to conventional sonography. High agreement of the evaluaters was achieved for image contrast and delineation of organs, less agreement in detection of vessels and artifacts in cystic structures, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Image contrast and delineation of organs to neighboring structures as well as reduction of artifacts in cystic structures and vessels are statistically significantly improved with THI sonography using pulse-inversion technology in comparison to conventional sonography.