山口 匡

Abstract Analysis of the envelope statistics of ultrasound echo signals contributes to quantitative tissue characterization in medical ultrasound. Many probability distribution model functions have been studied, and the model function that should be used for tissue characterization depends on the type of disease, even in the same organ. Thus, an appropriate model selection is important for an accurate diagnosis. In this study, we aimed to select a model using threshold processing for modeling errors instead of a simple selection by minimizing the modeling error. For this purpose, we compared several indicators of modeling errors using random number simulations, ultrasonic simulation, and phantom experiment. The results validated that the Mahalanobis distance of moments is an appropriate indicator because it enables the use of a constant threshold value, regardless of the type of model function and data length.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatic fibrosis has recently been evaluated using ultrasonography or magnetic resonance elastography. Although the shear wave velocity (SWV) obtained using point shear wave elastography (pSWE) provides a valuable measure of fibrosis, underlying steatosis may affect its measurement. METHODS: Using hepatic fibrosis samples, this study evaluated the effect of steatosis on the shear wave velocity of pSWE (Vs) and viscoelastic properties (assessed by dynamic mechanical analysis) of rat liver. Fifty rats with various grades of steatosis and fibrosis underwent open abdominal in vivo Vs measurements using a commercial ultrasound scanner. The mechanical properties of hepatic tissue were also characterized under ex vivo conditions using dynamic mechanical analysis and the Zener model of viscoelasticity. RESULTS: Fibrosis and steatosis progression influenced Vs and elasticity. The SWV computed using the Zener model and Vs showed a substantial correlation (r > 0.8). Fibrosis progression increased SWV. Steatosis was also related to SWV. Steatosis progression obscured the SWV change associated with fibrosis progression. CONCLUSION: We conclude that steatosis progression affects the evaluation of fibrosis progression. This finding could aid discrimination of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease using SWV.