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Qualitative and quantitative effects of harmonic echocardiographic imaging on endocardial edge definition and side-lobe artifactsHarmonic imaging is a new ultrasonographic technique that is designed to improve image quality by exploiting the spontaneous generation of higher frequencies as ultrasound propagates through tissue. We studied 51 difficult-to-image patients with blinded side-by-side cineloop evaluation of endocardial border definition by harmonic versus fundamental imaging. In addition, quantitative intensities from cavity versus wall were compared for harmonic versus fundamental imaging. Harmonic imaging improved left ventricular endocardial border delineation over fundamental imaging (superior: harmonic = 71.1%, fundamental = 18.7%; similar: 10.2%; P <.001). Quantitative analysis of 100 wall/cavity combinations demonstrated brighter wall segments and more strikingly darker cavities during harmonic imaging (cavity intensity on a 0 to 255 scale: fundamental = 15.6 +/- 8.6; harmonic = 6.0 +/- 5.3; P <.0001), which led to enhanced contrast between the wall and cavity (1.89 versus 1.19, P <.0001). Harmonic imaging reduces side-lobe artifacts, resulting in a darker cavity and brighter walls, thereby improving image contrast and endocardial delineation.
Document ID
20040112672
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Rubin, D. N.
(The Cleveland Clinic Foundation OH 44195, United States)
Yazbek, N.
Garcia, M. J.
Stewart, W. J.
Thomas, J. D.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 2000
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography
Volume: 13
Issue: 11
ISSN: 0894-7317
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary
Non-NASA Center
Evaluation Studies

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