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World J Gastroenterol. Apr 14, 2006; 12(14): 2276-2279
Published online Apr 14, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i14.2276
Ultrasonic characterization of porcine liver tissue at frequency between 25 to 55 MHz
Xiao-Zhou Liu, Xiu-Fen Gong, Dong Zhang, Shi-Gong Ye, Bing Rui
Xiao-Zhou Liu, Xiu-Fen Gong, Dong Zhang, Shi-Gong Ye, State Key Laboratory of Modern Acoustics, Institute of Acoustics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, Jiangsu Province, China
Bing Rui, Nanjing Meat Processing Plant, Nanjing 210015, Jiangsu Province, China
Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 10204014
Correspondence to: Associate Professor Xiao-Zhou Liu, State Key Laboratory of Modern Acoustics, Institute of Acoustics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, Jiangsu Province, China. xzliu@nju.edu.cn
Telephone: +86-25-83594503 Fax: +86-25-83315557
Received: June 24, 2005
Revised: July 15, 2005
Accepted: August 2, 2005
Published online: April 14, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To study the relation between acoustic parameters and histological structure of biological tissue and to provide the basis for high-resolution image of biological tissues and quantitative ultrasonic diagnosis of liver disease.

METHODS: Ultrasonic imaging and tissue characterization of four normal porcine liver and five cirrhotic liver tissue samples were performed using a high frequency imaging system.

RESULTS: The acoustic parameters of cirrhotic liver tissue were larger than those of normal liver tissue. The sound velocity was 1577 m/s in normal liver tissue and 1631 m/s in cirrhotic liver tissue. At 35 MHz, the attenuation coefficient was 3.0 dB/mm in normal liver tissue and 4.1 dB/mm in cirrhotic liver tissue. The backscatter coefficient was 0.00431 dB/Srmm in cirrhotic liver tissue and 0.00303 dB/Srmm in normal liver tissue. The backscatter coefficient increased with the frequency. The high frequency images coincided with their histological features.

CONCLUSION: The acoustic parameters, especially the sound backscatter coefficient, are sensitive to the changes of liver tissues and can be used to differentiate between the normal and pathological liver tissues. High frequency image system is a useful device for high-resolution image and tissue characterization.

Keywords: Porcine liver tissue; Hepatocirrhosis; High frequency imaging; Tissue characterization; Acoustic parameter