مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Tissue harmonic imaging in comparison with conventional sonography: effect on image quality of the nuchal translucency measurement

Abstract :

Aim. In this study, tissue harmonic imaging (THI) was compared with conventional gray scale ultrasonography (CUS) by scoring system in measurement of nuchal translucency (NT) and in examination of fetal posterior neck region. Additionally, it was also investigated that whether body habitus of patient provide effect on this condition or not. Methods. Fetal neck region and nuchal translucency were evaluated by using scoring system (1: not seen, 2: seen uncertainly, 3: seen acceptably, 4: well seen, and 5: very well seen). The tissue harmonic imaging was compared with B-mode. Results. In normal patients, overall average score (11+0 to 13+6 weeks) for CUS was 3.27 and it was 3.69 for THI. However, in obese patients, overall average score for CUS was 2.96 and it was 3.48 for THI. For the group with normal BMI; examination with tissue harmonic imaging was on average more clearly visible in 44.6% of the cases, the same as in the conventional B-mode in 53%, and worse in only 2.4%. However, in obese group; examination with tissue harmonic imaging was on average more clearly visible in 51.2% of the cases, the same as in the conventional B-mode in 46.4%, and worse in only 2.4%. Conclusion. When normal group and obese groups are completely considered, it was found that THI provides similar or better image quality almost in all of the patients than that of CUS.