This collaborative program is conducted by Riverside Research Institute (RRI) and the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (CUCPS). The goal of the program is to establish quantitative ultrasonic means for objectively diagnosing and monitoring diseases of the liver, pancreas and kidney. The program applies computer processing to radio-frequency (rf) echo signals from conventional ultrasonic scanners. A number of acoustic parameters are computed using spectrum analysis, with calibration procedures to remove system artifacts. As shown in our theoretical analyses, these parameters sense microstructural features such as the size, shape, concentration, and mechanical properties (density and compressibility) of internal tissue scatterers, even those too small to be resolved in ultrasonic images. Disease-indexed data bases are established using these parameters together with ancillary data, including biopsy results. Data-base studies are showing how this multi-parameter approach can be used to diagnose focal and diffuse diseases in abdominal organs. To refine these methods, we are including intraoperative as well as trans- abdominal clinical scans. We are also emphasizing the use of parameter images and """"""""staining"""""""" to indicate the spatial distribution of characteristic parameter values. New parameters are being included to characterize tissue heterogeneity and to obtain absolute estimates of tissue properties unaffected by attenuation in intervening tissue. New acoustic microscopy procedures are also being combined with analytic investigations to provide insights that will help refine our characterization procedures and interpretation strategies.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA038400-14
Application #
2089562
Study Section
Diagnostic Radiology Study Section (RNM)
Project Start
1985-03-15
Project End
1996-03-31
Budget Start
1994-04-01
Budget End
1995-03-31
Support Year
14
Fiscal Year
1994
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Riverside Research Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
046822615
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10038
Lizzi, F L; Astor, M; Feleppa, E J et al. (1997) Statistical framework for ultrasonic spectral parameter imaging. Ultrasound Med Biol 23:1371-82
Lizzi, F L; King, D L; Rorke, M C et al. (1988) Comparison of theoretical scattering results and ultrasonic data from clinical liver examinations. Ultrasound Med Biol 14:377-85