Performance criteria for quantitative ultrasonology and image parameterisation

For the purpose of assessing and comparing the practical performance of various specific approaches to quantitative tissue characterisation, three sets of performance criteria are proposed, relating respectively to contrast resolution, spatial resolution, and speed of presentation. In each case numerical performance targets are suggested: in particular that spatial resolution should preferably be within a linear factor of three of the best achievable anatomical resolution of the associated imaging techniques and that presentation speed should be 'real time' (i.e. about 10 Hz). In the light of these criteria and performance targets the main existing approaches to ultrasonic tissue characterisation are then considered. These are classified in two groups: first those approaches based on measurements of bulk properties of tissues and secondly those related to parameters of the structural organisation of tissues. Examination of available evidence suggests that the latter group are more promising than the former. Finally it is argued that ultrasonic methods of tissue characterisation have substantial practical potential but that the realisation of such potential is contingent on achieving consensus on choice of a single, optimised and generally applicable approach that would carry with it the linked benefits of industrial standardisation and broad sharing of clinical experience.