Are Results of 4-D Ultrasound Angiography Examinations Dependent on the Doppler Technology Applied? Comparison of Results Obtained from an In Vivo Model

RESUMEN

We aimed to evaluate the agreement of results obtained by 4-D spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) angiography with two options of Doppler technology (power Doppler [PD] and high-definition flow [HDF]) from an ovary as an in vivo model.

Thirty-eight ovaries were recorded by trans-vaginal ultrasound examination in the first part of the menstrual cycle. Two STIC sequences (4-D HDF and 4-D PD) were stored. Volumetric pulsatility index, volumetric resistance index and volumetric systolic/diastolic index for each of these sequences were calculated, and their mean values were compared and correlated.

Agreement between 4-D HDF and 4-D PD was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient. Intra-class correlation coefficients for all three indices were high, but 95% confidence intervals and limits of agreement were wide.

We conclude that both 4-D power Doppler and 4-D high-definition flow may be used for calculating volumetric pulsatility index, volumetric resistance index and volumetric systolic/diastolic index from a STIC sequence, at least in ovaries used as an in vivo model. However, values obtained by both methods cannot be used interchangeably.

CITA DEL ARTÍCULO Ultrasound Med Biol. 2015 Nov 20. pii: S0301-5629(15)00574-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2015.09.013