Denis Louise, Chabouh Georges, Heiles Baptiste, Couture Olivier
IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control. 2024 Dec;71(12: Breaking the Resolution Barrier in Ultrasound):1643-1656. doi: 10.1109/TUFFC.2024.3485556. Epub 2025 Jan 8.
Super-resolution ultrasound (SRUS) has evolved significantly with the advent of ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM). This technique enables subwavelength resolution imaging using microbubble contrast agents. Initially confined to 2-D imaging, ULM has progressed toward volumetric approaches, allowing for comprehensive 3-D visualization of microvascular networks. This review explores the technological advancements and challenges associated with volumetric ULM, focusing on key aspects such as transducer design, acquisition speed, data processing algorithms, or integration into clinical practice. We discuss the limitations of traditional 2-D ULM, including dependence on precise imaging plane selection and compromised resolution in microvasculature quantification. In contrast, volumetric ULM offers enhanced spatial resolution and allows motion correction in all directions, promising transformative insights into microvascular pathophysiology. By examining current research and future directions, this review highlights the potential of volumetric ULM to contribute significantly to diagnostic across various medical conditions, including cancers, arteriosclerosis, strokes, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.
随着超声定位显微镜（ULM）的出现，超分辨率超声（SRUS）有了显著发展。这项技术能够使用微泡造影剂实现亚波长分辨率成像。最初局限于二维成像的ULM已朝着容积成像方法发展，从而能够对微血管网络进行全面的三维可视化。本综述探讨了与容积式ULM相关的技术进步和挑战，重点关注诸如换能器设计、采集速度、数据处理算法或整合到临床实践等关键方面。我们讨论了传统二维ULM的局限性，包括依赖精确的成像平面选择以及微血管定量中分辨率受损。相比之下，容积式ULM提供了更高的空间分辨率，并允许在各个方向上进行运动校正，有望为微血管病理生理学带来变革性的见解。通过审视当前的研究和未来方向，本综述强调了容积式ULM在包括癌症、动脉硬化、中风、糖尿病和神经退行性疾病在内的各种医疗状况诊断中做出重大贡献的潜力。
