title: Ideal observer model for detection of blood perfusion and flow using ultrasound.
abstract: An ideal observer model is developed for the task of detecting blood perfusing or flowing through tissue. The ideal observer theory relies on a linear systems model that describes tissue and blood object functions and electronic noise as random processes. When aliasing is minimal, the system is characterized by a quantity similar to Noise-Equivalent Quanta used in photon imaging modalities. A simple 1-D model is used to illustrate the effect of the system and object parameters on task performance. Velocity and decorrelation are seen to be advantageous for detection. Aliasing can degrade performance. The ideal observer model provides a framework for assessing the performance of Power Doppler ultrasound systems, and may aid in their design.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. rjzemp@ucdavis.edu
authors.forename: Roger J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Zemp
authors.forename: Craig K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Abbey
authors.forename: Michael F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Insana
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology*; D001790:Blood Physiological Phenomena; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D016014:Linear Models; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D015233:Models, Statistical; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000379:methods*