Hybrid ultrasound imaging techniques (fusion imaging)

Abstract

Visualization of tumor angiogenesis can facilitate non-invasive evaluation of tumor vascular characteristics to supplement the conventional diagnostic imaging goals of depicting tumor location, size, and morphology. Hybrid imaging techniques combine anatomic [ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] and molecular (single photon emission CT and positron emission tomography) imaging modalities. One example is real-time virtual sonography, which combines ultrasound (grayscale, colour Doppler, or dynamic contrast harmonic imaging) with contrast-enhanced CT/MRI. The benefits of fusion imaging include an increased diagnostic confidence, direct comparison of the lesions using different imaging modalities, more precise monitoring of interventional procedures, and reduced radiation exposure.

Application of imaging fusion combining contrast‐enhanced ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in detection of hepatic cellular carcinomas undetectable by conventional ultrasound

“…Image fusion enabled us to combine the advantages of various imaging techniques, and it may guarantee high diagnostic confidence and more precise monitoring of interventional procedures. 14 In this study, most of the patients had liver cirrhosis and regenerative nodules with parenchymal fibrosis causing coarse parenchymal echogenicity. By using image fusion and navigation, the Vnav system facilitates a precise position tracking of the ultrasound transducer during the dynamic examination for a more specific localization of hepatic lesions in CEUS compared with dynamic MRI.…”

“…In recent years, new developments of real-time image fusion of CEUS with dynamic MRI have been used in both diagnosis and image-guided interventions. [12][13][14] Image fusion is a new ultrasound transducer equipped together with a navigation system and dynamic volume navigation (Vnav) system integrating patients' previously acquired MRI Digital Image Communications in Medicine (DICOM) image data into a real-time Vnav. It can display synchronized MRI images in the same plane as ultrasound, allow a precise position tracking of the ultrasound transducer, and facilitate accurate localization of the target lesion with a higher degree of confidence in real time.…”

Ultrasound Imaging of Liver Tumors – Current Clinical Applications

“…The technique allows a better guidance both for biopsies and percutaneous ablative procedures, replacing CT guidance and thus avoiding irradiation. Combination with CEUS allows a better characterization of lesions as well as successful monitoring of percutaneous procedures or TACE effects (Sandulescu et al, 2011;Ewertsen et al, 2011).…”

New Paradigm for Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Imaging

“…Virtual US, a fusion imaging technique that combines US with other imaging modalities such as CT or MRI, may be helpful in HCC diagnosis [113,114] and can be applied for local treatment or biopsy of hepatic lesions, particularly those lesions that are poorly visualized with US alone [115,116] (fig. 1).…”