Quantitative Estimation of Diffused Liver Diseases Using Ultrasound Echo Signal

Abstract

For the diagnosis of diffused liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis, a quantitative estimation method using ultrasound is required. In this paper, we present the quantitative estimation results of diffused liver diseases using ultrasonic RF echo signal of clinical data. The probability density function of echo amplitude from normal liver agrees well with the Rayleigh distribution. The probability density function of echo amplitude from cirrhotic liver is different from Rayleigh distribution. Using the statistical characteristics of echo amplitude, we propose quantitative indexes for the estimation of tissue structure. These indexes are applied to the clinical ultrasonic data. The RF echo data of 123 patients were used. Quantitative estimation results of diffused liver diseases using ultrasonic RF echo signal are closely related to fibrosis score of biopsy data. We conclude that the estimation using the statistical characteristics of echo amplitude is effective for the quantitative diagnosis of diffused liver diseases.