Three-dimensional estimation of ultrasound-contrast-agent dispersion and convection in the prostate

摘要

The estimation of Ultrasound-Contrast-Agent (UCA) kinetics from Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (DCE-US) recordings has shown promise to localize prostatic malignancy. In a two-dimensional (2D) approach, UCA dispersion and velocity provide a characterization of the prostate (micro)vasculature with diagnostic value [1]. To this end, the UCA transport kinetics are modelled with strong assumptions on its directionality. Analysis of three-dimensional (3D) recordings allows clinicians to examine the entire gland with a single UCA bolus injection. In this work, we estimate convective dispersion (D) and velocity (v) of UCAs through the vascular network by directly solving the convective-dispersion equation in 3D, without need for further assumptions. This approach enables us to provide independent 3D maps of D and v for the whole prostate.