Basic and recent applied technologies of ultrasound in the field of clinical diagnosis

Abstract

This paper reviews the basic imaging methods available using ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, including the pulse-echo method, beamforming for improving image resolution, and harmonic imaging using the nonlinearity of ultrasonic waves. Further topics discussed include the use of the pulse Doppler method in blood flow measurement, and the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant tumor via the contrast echo method using microbubbles. Of particular relevance, the characteristic ultrasound image features used to inform the diagnosis of pneumonia severity, which is important in planning the treatment of COVID-19 patients, are described. Finally, a bird's eye view of future trends in ultrasonic diagnosis is provided.