An Examination of Ultrasound Measured Tissue Perfusion on Breast Cancer
Abstract
Mammography has proven reliable as a screening tool for breast cancer. However, its specificity may be as low as 10% as evidenced by the number of biopsies recommended compared to the number of cancers. This research was designed to develop measurement techniques for tissue perfusion including ultrasound contrast agent interruption and decorrelation techniques. Contrast interruption allows control of contrast agent flow in selected vessels and is used in conjunction with common ultrasound imaging methods that measure contrast agent signal levels dynamically or statically. The technique provides temporally sharp boluses not achievable by Iv administration and durations similar to arterial administration without catheterization. These are important attributes for tissue perfusion measurements by indicator-dilution techniques. The technique can also be used to eliminate the flow of contrast agents in selected vessels to demonstrate the vascular supply for specific tissues. Contrast decorrelation measures motion of contrast through the ultrasound beam by examining the gradual loss of speckle coherence. The technique directly estimates a mean transit time, and at least in preliminary studies, appears to be quite angle independent. With certain modifications, the technique may directly yield perfusion in a real-time imaging application of flow in ultrasound accessible tissues.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA382522
Entities
People
- Jeffrey B. Fowlkes
Organizations
- University of Michigan