High Resolution Anatomic and Elastographic Transrectal Ultrasound for Improved Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

摘要

Existing Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) and PSA blood test have inadequate sensitivity and specificity in the diagnostis of prostate cancer. In this work, we perform ultrasound elasticity imaging, using a slightly inflated latex sheath (to provide a source of moderate pressure) over the transrectal ultrasound probe. The elasticity image is generated by cross-correlating successive raw radio frequency image data sets for incrementally increasing pressure. Strain, related to elasticity, can be calculated from the displacement image. Our second objective is to use a new freehand 3D acquisition approach to obtain 3D image data sets. This approach uses a slightly modified transducer and an image motion tracking technique. Excellent progress has been made with respect to the Statement of Work and three of four total Specific Aims. A specialized transducer has designed, ordered and received. This transducer provides unsurpassed prostate scanning resolution by virtue of its exceptionally high frequency - up to 14 MHz. Prototype phantoms and complete ultrasound test instrumentation has been assembled. Preliminary ultrasound image speckle reduction work has been performed. Preliminary, dimensionally accurate, 3D prostate phantom images have been produced.