Standardize and compare contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic digital images obtained with different technologies: how to overcome the subjectivity.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to compare digital images obtained with cadence contrast pulse sequencing (CPS) and coherent contrast imaging (CCI) technologies for contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS).


METHODS
A CEUS study on 17 focal liver lesions was performed using CPS and CCI technologies with a second-generation contrast media. The lesion/liver ratio and conspicuity index were then calculated and compared with Adobe Photoshop 6.0.


RESULTS
Lesion/liver ratio and conspicuity index using CCI ranged from 1.3 to 7.1 (mean value, 3) and 19 to 127 (mean value, 58), respectively; by using CPS, we obtained results ranging from 2 to 19.1 (mean value, 8.9) and 57 to 164 (mean value, 109.2). Lesion/liver ratio and the conspicuity index for the lesions using CPS showed significantly (p < 0.0001) superior results than those obtained using CCI.


CONCLUSIONS
The computed analysis with standardization allows an objective evaluation of digital images of CEUS. CPS technology resulted in better lesion conspicuity compared to CCI during CEUS study on focal liver lesions.
D'Onofrio
Mirko
M
Department of Radiology, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy. mirko.donofrio@univr.it
Faccioli
Niccolò
N
Malagò
Roberto
R
Zamboni
Giulia
G
Mucelli
Roberto Pozzi
RP
D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D015588:Observer Variation; D010743:Phospholipids; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*
D003287:Contrast Media; D010743:Phospholipids; C420843:contrast agent BR1; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride