[Tissue attenuation in small animals on contrast enhanced ultrasound]. / Prise en compte de l'atténuation ultrasonore en présence d'agents de contraste chez le petit animal.

ABSTRACT

Despite recent advances in contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging, evaluation of tissue perfusion with contrast-enhanced ultrasound is still impaired by shadowing effects. These effects are particularly relevant in small animal studies due to high frequency imaging. Current methods of tissue attenuation correction are not suited for contrast-enhanced ultrasound examinations, because microbubble acoustic response to ultrasound waves is far more complex than that of tissues. A method allowing in vivo tissue attenuation correction in the presence of contrast agents is presented.