J Korean Soc Med Ultrasound.  2004 Dec;23(4):185-191.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Normal Kidney: Comparison of Fundamental, Tissue Harmonic, and Pulse Inversion Harmonic Imaging

• Yun EJ
• Choi CS
• Yoon DY
• Park SJ
• Lee SH
• Seo YL
• Moon JH
• Bae S

Abstract

PURPOSE
To compare the fundamental imaging (FI), tissue harmonic imaging (THI) and pulse inversion harmonic imaging (PIHI) in an ultrasonographic (US) evaluation of a normal kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-five normal kidneys from 50 patients [24 males and 26 females aged 18-74 (mean, 48) years] were examined. The US evaluation including the 3 above mentioned imaging modalities (FI, THI, and PIHI) was performed by a radiologist using a 2-5 MHz convex transducer (HDI 5000 scanner, Advanced Technology Laboratories, Bothell, CA, U.S.A.) at the same condition (level, depth, magnification, focus). On the PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications System) monitor, the images were separately analyzed by two radiologists for the following parameters: conspicuity, the overall image quality, and range of delineation, and the grading were determined by the consensus using a 3-point scale. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcox singed rank test. RESULTS: The pulse inversion and tissue harmonic images were better than the fundamental images in terms of conspicuity (p < 0.001), but there was no statistically significant difference between the pulse inversion and tissue harmonic images. The pulse inversion harmonic image showed the best overall image quality, which was followed by the tissue harmonic and fundamental image (p < 0.001). However, in the range of delineation, there were no statistically significant differences in the 3 above mentioned imaging modalities. CONCLUSION: In an ultrasonographic evaluation of a normal kidney, the conspicuity and the overall image quality of pulse inversion and tissue harmonic imaging are superior to those of fundamental imaging. The overall image quality of pulse inversion harmonic imaging is superior to tissue harmonic imaging. However, the 3 imaging techniques do not have any influence on the range of delineation.

MeSH Terms

Consensus
Female
Humans
Kidney*
Male
Transducers