Robustness of integrated backscatter for myocardial tissue characterization

Integrated backscatter (IB) has been used for ultrasonic tissue characteriz ation. To assess the potential variables in IB measurements, we performed b oth theoretical simulations and in vitro phantom measurements. First, we si mulated data in which the scatterer position randomly was varied. IB values for the resulting images were calculated. Second, RF data from a tissue-mi micking phantom were acquired. Third, an adapted imaging approach, based on phase insensitivity, was evaluated. For both the simulations and phantom m easurements, IB showed a standard deviation of +/-20%. These large deviatio ns can be explained by variations in interference of signals and are not re lated to the state of the tissue. Small deviations in position of the scatt erers resulted in important variations in IB. They must be taken into accou nt and may limit the use of LB in cardiological applications. An improvemen t potentially can be obtained using phase insensitivity in new ultrasound p rocessing schemes. (C) 1998 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & B iology.