Application of adaptive image processing technique to real-time spatial compound ultrasound imaging improves image quality.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To assess the impact of adaptive filter postprocessing on quality of ultrasound images. METHODS Ultrasound images acquired with real-time spatial compound imaging (SonoCT imaging) were subsequently processed with an adaptive real time algorithm (XRES imaging). Conventional and XRES-processed images from abdominal, pediatric or small parts ultrasound explorations were compared. The delineation of borders, tissue contrast, amount of noise, and overall image quality were evaluated. RESULTS Delineation of borders and tissue contrast were improved on all images (P < 0.05). The amount of noise was reduced (P < 0.05). The overall image quality was improved for abdominal, pediatric and small parts ultrasound explorations (P < 0.05). No image degradation was found. CONCLUSIONS Adaptive processing provided better image quality without loss of clinically useful information.