Comparison of the quality of B-scan ultrasound in modern high-end devices

Abstract

Purpose The quality of an ultrasound device’s B-scan mode is decisive in obtaining clear and informative images. High demands are placed upon ultrasound devices, particularly in cases where evidence of small lesions of parenchymal organs is being gathered.

Methods We tested the quality of the B-scan mode in ultrasound devices of 7 different manufacturers. We performed ultrasound examinations of 3 predefined abdominal sections on 4 healthy subjects with 7 different ultrasound devices. Documentation was compiled digitally by recording video sequences. Any characteristics identifying the manufacturer were removed. Subsequently, the sequences were organized into corresponding pairs. The resulting 252 video pairs were shown side by side to a panel of 10 experienced ultrasound examiners who evaluated the quality of the scans by way of direct visual comparison.

Results Two of the 7 devices were clearly judged to be of higher quality. In part, the differences in the overall evaluation and within the subgroups reached levels of statistical significance. The ranking of the tested devices did not correlate with their suggested retail prices.

Conclusion There are relevant differences in the quality of the B-scan mode of modern high-end devices. The suggested retail prices do not correlate with the B-scan quality of the ultrasound devices.

Zusammenfassung

Einleitung Für eine aussagefähige abdominelle Sonografie ist die Qualität des B-Bildes maßgeblich. Insbesondere zum Nachweis kleiner parenchymatöser Läsionen in Leber oder Pankreas werden hohe Anforderungen an das Sonografiegerät gestellt.

Material und Methoden 4 gesunde Probanden erhielten Ultraschalluntersuchungen mit 7 verschiedenen Ultraschallgeräten in 3 definierten abdominellen Standardschnitten. Die Dokumentation erfolgte digital durch Aufzeichnung von kurzen Videosequenzen. Es erfolgten eine Verblindung der Videos hinsichtlich der Herstellerangaben und schließlich das paarweise Nebeneinanderstellen korrespondierender Sequenzen. Die so entstandenen 252 Videopärchen wurden von 10 erfahrenen Ultraschalluntersuchern hinsichtlich der Bildqualität im direkten visuellen Vergleich bewertet.

Ergebnisse 2 der 7 untersuchten Geräte kristallisierten sich als klare Favoriten in Qualität der B-Bild-Darstellung heraus. Die Unterschiede zeigten sowohl in der Gesamtbetrachtung als auch in der Subgruppenanalyse teilweise statistische Signifikanz. Die Rangfolge der untersuchten Geräte korrelierte nicht mit dem empfohlenen Verkaufspreis.

Schlussfolgerung Es gibt deutliche Unterschiede in der B-Bild Qualität bei Sonografiegeräten unterschiedlicher Hersteller. Der empfohlene Verkaufspreis korreliert hierbei nicht mit der ermittelten B-Bild-Qualität.

Key words

B-Scan - device - comparison - sonography - quality - ultrasound

Schlüsselwörter

B-Bild-Sonografie - Ultraschallgerät - Gerätevergleich - Qualität - Sonografie

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