Ultrasonic tissue characterization as a predictor of white matter damage: results of a preliminary study

Abstract

Premature infants are prone to white matter damage (WMD), which is associated with cerebral palsy (CP) and cognitive impairment. Ultrasound (US) is the preferred imaging modality to detect WMD. To improve on existing diagnostic rates, quantitative measures incorporating new information are needed. We are investigating US texture measures as new indicators of white matter health.We have developed algorithms to enhance texture features and then obtain a measure of the tissue texture. Using our texture measures, data from 18 patients (12 with normal outcome, 6 who developed CP) form separate populations based on patient outcome. Our algorithms are applied to B-mode cranial US images without compensating for operator-dependent machine settings and without suppressing speckle. The results of the preliminary study will form the basis for the design of a computer aided diagnosis system for the early detection of white matter damage.

Quantitative ultrasonographic examination of cerebral white matter by pixel brightness intensity as marker of middle-term neurodevelopment: a prospective observational study

“…In the last decades, different techniques have been developed to solve the problem of subjective interpretation of CUS scans 24 – 34 . These approaches include texture analysis (TA) 30 – 34 and quantification of integrated backscatter (IBS) 28 , 29 or pixel brightness intensity (PBI) 24 – 27 . However, no agreement on the preferred method of echo-quantification has been reached at present 24 .…”

Correlation Between a Semiautomated Method Based on Ultrasound Texture Analysis and Standard Ultrasound Diagnosis Using White Matter Damage in Preterm Neonates as a Model

“…The accuracy of the identification of “increased echogenicity,” the key diagnostic sign of white matter damage, is hampered by the lack of clear‐cut criteria, different acquisition settings, and variable examiner experience, which results in a wide variation in the reported incidence of white matter damage among different neonatal intensive care units 9 . In addition, it is likely that, below a certain threshold, subtle changes in tissue brightness and texture are difficult or impossible to identify by subjective interpretation 10 , 11 …”

“…9 In addition, it is likely that, below a certain threshold, subtle changes in tissue brightness and texture are difficult or impossible to identify by subjective interpretation. 10,11 Quantitative ultrasound analysis may increase repeatability and assist in solving ambiguities in the interpretation of ultrasound examinations. This approach aims to estimate tissue characteristics by quantitative analysis of either the features contained in the ultrasound image or the reflected acoustic waves; thus, specific image features that can be measured consistently.…”