Medical image processing device, medical image processing method and program

Abstract

To provide a medical image processing device allowing an operator to easily and efficiently observe a plurality of different kinds of tissue properties.SOLUTION: A medical image processing device includes a scan execution unit, a region information acquisition unit and a display control unit. The scan execution unit causes an ultrasonic probe to execute a plurality of ultrasonic scans for acquiring index values representing tissue properties of a subject for every type of the tissue properties. The region information acquisition unit acquires, before execution of at least one scan of the plurality of ultrasonic scans, region information representing a region from which index values are acquired by execution of the scan, for every type of tissue properties. The display control unit displays the region information together with a medical image representing the subject.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a medical image processing device, a medical image processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the development of antiviral drugs, the number of patients with liver cirrhosis caused by viral hepatitis has been decreasing. On the other hand, the number of patients with steatohepatitis caused by lifestyle-related diseases has been increasing. Because steatohepatitis causes inflammation and progresses to liver fibrosis, it is important to quantify its severity.

[0003] Ultrasound diagnostic devices have the function of visualizing the morphology of organs within a subject based on the reflected wave signals of ultrasound irradiated onto the subject, as well as the function of quantifying the tissue properties of the subject. For example, the elastography function uses shear waves propagating within the body to obtain index values ​​representing the elasticity, viscosity, etc. of biological tissue. Index values ​​representing the elasticity, viscosity, etc. of biological tissue are used to determine the degree of liver fibrosis, hepatitis, etc. Furthermore, for example, by analyzing the attenuation of the reflected wave signals, an index value representing the amount of ultrasound attenuation in biological tissue is obtained. Index values ​​representing the amount of ultrasound attenuation are considered to be useful in determining the degree of fatty liver.

[0004] Generally, a user sets a region (region of interest (ROI)) for observing tissue characteristics on an ultrasound image (B-mode image) showing a tissue structure, and then a scan is performed to obtain index values ​​indicating tissue characteristics in the set ROI. When index values ​​indicating multiple different types of tissue characteristics are observed using different ROIs, the user's operations become cumbersome. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-186676 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to enable simple and efficient observation of multiple different types of tissue properties. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The medical device includes a scan execution unit, a region information acquisition unit, and a display control unit. The scan execution unit causes the ultrasound probe to execute multiple ultrasound scans to acquire index values ​​indicating tissue characteristics of the subject for each type of tissue characteristic. The region information acquisition unit acquires region information indicating regions from which index values ​​are acquired by executing the ultrasound scans. The display control unit displays the region information and a medical image representing the subject before executing the ultrasound scan. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of SWE region information and ATI region information according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of changes in the SWE region information and the ATI region information according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of an ultrasound image based on an ultrasound scan according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of SWE region information and ATI region information according to Modification 3. In FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of a medical image processing apparatus, a medical image processing method, and a program will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (Embodiment) Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes an apparatus main body 10 and an ultrasound probe 20. The apparatus main body 10 is also connected to an external device 50 via a network NW. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 is an example of a medical image processing apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0011] The ultrasonic probe 20 performs an ultrasonic scan of a scan region within a living body P, which is a subject, for example, under control of the device main body 10. The ultrasonic probe 20 includes, for example, an acoustic lens, an acoustic matching layer, a piezoelectric vibrator, a backing material, etc. The ultrasonic probe 20 is detachably connected to the device main body 10. The ultrasonic probe 20 may be provided with buttons that are pressed for offset processing, freezing the ultrasound image, etc.

[0012] The ultrasonic probe 20 may be, for example, a 1D array linear probe in which multiple piezoelectric vibrators are arranged along a predetermined direction, a 2D array probe in which multiple piezoelectric vibrators are arranged in a matrix, or a mechanical 4D probe that can perform ultrasonic scanning by mechanically moving the piezoelectric vibrator array in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.

[0013] The multiple piezoelectric vibrators generate ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal supplied from an ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 (described later) included in the device main body 10. This causes ultrasonic waves to be transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 20 to the living body P. When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 20 to the living body P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected one after another by discontinuous surfaces of acoustic impedance in the internal tissue of the living body P and are received as reflected wave signals by the multiple piezoelectric elements. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signals depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surfaces where the ultrasonic waves are reflected.

[0014] 1 illustrates only the connection relationship between the ultrasonic probe 20 used for ultrasonic scanning and the device main body 10. However, it is possible to connect multiple ultrasonic probes to the device main body 10. The user may be able to arbitrarily select which of the multiple connected ultrasonic probes to use for ultrasonic scanning by a switching operation.

[0015] The device main body 10 is a device that generates an ultrasound image based on a reflected wave signal received by the ultrasound probe 20. The device main body 10 has an ultrasound transmission circuit 11, an ultrasound reception circuit 12, an internal storage circuit 13, an image memory 14, an input interface 15, a display 16, a communication interface 17, and a processing circuit 18.

[0016] The ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 is a processor that supplies drive signals to the ultrasonic probe 20. The ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 includes, for example, a pulse generator 111, a transmission delay circuit 112, and a pulser circuit 113. The pulse generator 111 repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined pulse repetition frequency (PRF: Pulse Repetition Frequency). The transmission delay circuit 112 provides each rate pulse generated by the pulse generator 111 with a delay time for each piezoelectric transducer required to focus the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic probe 20 into a beam and determine the transmission directivity. The transmission direction or the transmission delay time that determines the transmission direction is stored in the internal storage circuit 13 and is referenced at the time of transmission. The pulser circuit 113 applies drive signals (drive pulses) to multiple ultrasonic transducers provided in the ultrasonic probe 20 at timing based on the rate pulses. The transmission direction from the piezoelectric transducer surface can be arbitrarily adjusted by changing the delay time provided for each rate pulse by the transmission delay circuit 112.

[0017] The ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 has a function of being able to change the transmission frequency, drive voltage, etc. in order to execute a predetermined scan sequence under the control of the processing circuit 18. In particular, the function of changing the transmission drive voltage is realized by, for example, a linear amplifier type oscillation circuit that can instantly switch its value, or a mechanism that electrically switches between multiple power supply units.

[0018] The ultrasonic receiving circuit 12 is a processor that generates a received signal by performing various processes on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 20. The ultrasonic receiving circuit 12 includes, for example, a preamplifier 121, an A / D converter 122, a demodulator 123, and a beamformer 124.

[0019] The preamplifier 121 amplifies the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 20 for each channel and performs gain correction processing. At this time, the preamplifier 121 changes the gain value according to, for example, a predetermined time response. The time response of the gain applied to the received signal by the preamplifier 121 is stored in the internal storage circuit 13.

[0020] The A / D converter 122 converts the gain-corrected reflected wave signal into a digital signal. The demodulator 123 demodulates the digital signal, converting it into an in-phase signal (I signal, I: In-phase) and a quadrature signal (Q signal, Q: Quadrature-phase) in the baseband. The beamformer 124 imparts a delay time required to determine the reception directivity to the I signal and Q signal (hereinafter referred to as IQ signals). The beamformer 124 adds the IQ signals to which the delay time has been applied. Processing by the beamformer 124 generates a reception signal in which the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity is emphasized.

[0021] The internal storage circuitry 13 includes, for example, a magnetic or optical storage medium, or a processor-readable storage medium such as a semiconductor memory. The internal storage circuitry 13 stores, for example, a program for implementing ultrasonic transmission and reception. The internal storage circuitry 13 also stores various data such as a scan sequence, scan conditions, image generation conditions, image processing conditions, and display conditions. The program and various data may be pre-stored in the internal storage circuitry 13, for example. Alternatively, the program and various data may be stored in a non-transitory storage medium and distributed, and then read from the non-transitory storage medium and installed in the internal storage circuitry 13.

[0022] The scan conditions include, for example, information such as the scan mode, the scan range and focal length of the ultrasonic probe 20, the angle of view and depth of the ultrasonic image, whether or not compression is applied, etc. The contents of the scan conditions differ depending on the type of scan.

[0023] Furthermore, the internal storage circuit 13 stores the received signals generated by the ultrasound receiving circuit 12, various ultrasound image data generated by the processing circuit 18, etc., in accordance with operations input via the input interface 15. The internal storage circuit 13 can also transfer the stored data to an external device 50, etc., via the communication interface 17.

[0024] The internal storage circuit 13 may be a drive device that reads and writes various information from and to a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM drive, a DVD drive, or a flash memory. The internal storage circuit 13 can also write stored data to the portable storage medium and store the data in the external device 50 via the portable storage medium.

[0025] The image memory 14 includes a processor-readable storage medium such as a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, or a semiconductor memory. The image memory 14 stores image data corresponding to multiple frames immediately before a freeze operation, which is input via the input interface 15.

[0026] The internal storage circuit 13 and the image memory 14 do not necessarily have to be realized by independent storage devices. The internal storage circuit 13 and the image memory 14 may be realized by a single storage device. Furthermore, the internal storage circuit 13 and the image memory 14 may each be realized by multiple storage devices.

[0027] The input interface 15 accepts various instructions from an operator. The input interface 15 can be realized by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a panel switch, a slider switch, a trackball, a rotary encoder, an operation panel, a touch command screen (TCS), a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, a voice input circuit, or the like. The input interface 15 may include multiple devices that accept user operations. The input interface 15 is connected to a processing circuit 18 and converts input operations received from the user into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 18. Note that, in this specification, the input interface is not limited to those having physical operating components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to input operations from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 18 is also included as an example of an input interface.

[0028] The display 16 displays various types of information under the control of the processing circuit 18. For example, the display 16 outputs a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the user. The display 16 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electro-luminescence (OEL) display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, a plasma display, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, etc. The display 16 is an example of a display unit.

[0029] The communication interface 17 is connected to an external device 50 via a network NW, for example, and performs data communication with the external device 50.

[0030] The processing circuitry 18 is, for example, a processor that functions as the core of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. The processing circuitry 18 executes a program stored in the internal storage circuitry 13 to realize a function corresponding to the program. The processing circuitry 18 includes, for example, a scan execution function 181, a region information acquisition function 182, an image generation function 183, and a display control function 184. The scan execution function 181 is an example of a scan execution unit. The region information acquisition function 182 is an example of a region information acquisition unit. The image generation function 183 is an example of an image generation unit. The display control function 184 is an example of a display control unit.

[0031] Here, for example, each of the processing functions of the processing circuitry 18, i.e., the scan execution function 181, the area information acquisition function 182, the image generation function 183, and the display control function 184, is stored in the internal storage circuitry 13 in the form of a computer-executable program. The processing circuitry 18 is a processor. For example, the processing circuitry 18 realizes the function corresponding to each program by reading and executing the program from the internal storage circuitry 13. In other words, the processing circuitry 18 in a state in which each program has been read has each function shown in the processing circuitry 18 in FIG. 1. Note that while FIG. 1 illustrates the processing functions performed by the scan execution function 181, the area information acquisition function 182, the image generation function 183, and the display control function 184 being realized by a single processor, the processing circuitry 18 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may realize a function by executing a program. Also, while FIG. 1 illustrates the single internal storage circuitry 13 storing the program corresponding to each processing function, multiple storage circuits may be distributed and the processing circuitry 18 may read the corresponding program from each storage circuit.

[0032] In the above description, an example has been described in which a "processor" reads and executes a program corresponding to each function from a storage circuit. However, embodiments are not limited to this. The term "processor" refers to a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). If the processor is a CPU, for example, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in a storage circuit. On the other hand, if the processor is an ASIC, instead of storing the program in the internal storage circuit 13, the function is directly incorporated into the processor circuit as a logic circuit. Note that each processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its function.

[0033] Each processing function included in the processing circuit 18 will be described below.

[0034] The scan execution function 181 causes the ultrasound probe 20 to execute multiple ultrasound scans to acquire index values ​​indicating tissue properties of the subject for each type of tissue property. The multiple ultrasound scans include a first scan (SWE scan) to acquire a first index value based on shear waves propagating within the subject, and a second scan (ATI scan) to acquire a second index value based on the attenuation of ultrasound within the subject.

[0035] The scan execution function 181 receives a user's selection of a scan type and an execution instruction via, for example, the input interface 15. The types of scans that the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 can execute include at least a B-mode scan, an elastography (SWE: Shear Wave Elastography) scan, and an attenuation imaging (ATI: Attenuation Imaging) scan. The elastography scan (hereinafter referred to as an SWE scan) is an example of a first scan in this embodiment. The attenuation imaging scan (hereinafter referred to as an ATI scan) is an example of a second scan.

[0036] SWE scanning is an imaging technique in which an ultrasound probe applies acoustic radiation force to biological tissue from the body surface, generating displacement due to shear waves within the living body P, and observing the displacement at each point in the scanning cross section over time. ATI scanning is an imaging technique in which, assuming that the distribution of scatterers within the tissue is uniform, the amount of ultrasound attenuation at each position in the depth direction is observed by examining the change in the reflected wave signal in the depth direction.

[0037] Furthermore, the scan execution function 181 generates various types of data based on signals received from the ultrasound probe 20. For example, the scan execution function 181 generates B-mode data (medical images representing the subject) based on received signals received from the ultrasound receiving circuit 12 by executing a B-mode scan. Specifically, the scan execution function 181 performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic compression processing, etc. on the received signals received from the ultrasound receiving circuit 12 to generate data (B-mode data) in which signal intensity is expressed by brightness. The generated B-mode data is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as B-mode RAW data on two-dimensional ultrasound scan lines (raster).

[0038] The scan execution function 181 also calculates an index value representing the elasticity or viscosity of tissue within the subject based on the received signal received from the ultrasound receiving circuit 12 during the SWE scan. The scan execution function 181 also calculates a displacement occurring within the subject, for example, using phase information included in the received signal received from the ultrasound receiving circuit 12. The scan execution function 181 also calculates an index value representing the elasticity of tissue within the subject based on the calculated displacement. The index value representing the elasticity of tissue is, for example, the propagation speed of shear waves generated within the subject. Hereinafter, the "propagation speed of shear waves" will be referred to as "shear rate." If the density within a living body is uniform, the shear rate is fast in hard tissue and slow in soft tissue. The scan execution function 181 may also calculate a Young's modulus or shear modulus from the shear rate, and use the calculated Young's modulus or shear modulus as an index value representing the elasticity of the tissue. The arrival time of the shear wave may also be used as an index value representing the elasticity of the tissue. The elasticity index value and the viscosity index value are examples of first index values ​​that indicate tissue properties based on shear waves propagating through the subject. The elasticity index value and the viscosity index value are acquired by SWE scanning.

[0039] Furthermore, the scan execution function 181 calculates an index value representing the viscosity of tissue in the subject based on, for example, the relationship between the frequency of the shear wave and the shear velocity. The index value representing the viscosity of tissue is, for example, the slope of the phase velocity distribution. The scan execution function 181 may calculate a viscosity coefficient and use the calculated viscosity coefficient as the index value representing the viscosity of the tissue. The scan execution function 181 may calculate both the elasticity index value and the viscosity index value, or may calculate either one of them.

[0040] Furthermore, the scan execution function 181 calculates an index value representing the amount of ultrasonic attenuation within the subject based on the received signal received from the ultrasonic receiving circuit 12 by executing the ATI scan. Specifically, the scan execution function 181 performs, for example, envelope detection processing, logarithmic compression processing, etc. on the received signal received from the ultrasonic receiving circuit 12 to generate B-mode data for attenuation images in which signal strength is expressed as brightness of luminance. The scan execution function 181 corrects the B-mode data for attenuation images according to the gain set in the preamplifier 121, and calculates an index value representing the amount of attenuation using the corrected B-mode data for attenuation images. The index value representing the amount of attenuation (attenuation index value) is, for example, an attenuation coefficient. The attenuation index value is an example of a second index value representing tissue properties based on ultrasonic waves propagating within the subject. The attenuation index value is acquired by the ATI scan.

[0041] The scan execution function 181 may also generate data (Doppler data) that extracts motion information based on the Doppler effect of a moving object within an imaging ROI (Region Of Interest) set in the scan region by performing frequency analysis on the received signal received from the ultrasound receiving circuit 12. The generated Doppler data is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as Doppler RAW data on a two-dimensional ultrasound scan line.

[0042] The region information acquisition function 182 acquires region information indicating a region (region of interest) from which an index value is acquired by performing an ultrasound scan. For example, the region information acquisition function 182 acquires first region information (SWE region information) indicating a region from which a first index value is acquired and second region information (ATI region information) indicating a region from which a second index value is acquired. Before performing at least one of the multiple ultrasound scans, the region information acquisition function 182 acquires region information indicating a region (region of interest) from which an index value is acquired by performing the scan, for each type of tissue attribute. The region information acquisition function 182 determines a region from which an index value is acquired in each ultrasound scan, for example, based on scan conditions.

[0043] More specifically, the region information acquisition function 182 acquires region information for the SWE scan and region information for the ATI scan after a B-mode scan is performed and before an SWE scan and an ATI scan are performed. The region information is information indicating the position and size of a range that will become the region of interest for each of multiple ultrasound scans when multiple ultrasound scans included in a scan sequence are performed. The size of the region of interest may refer to the area dimensions of the region of interest, for example, the vertical and horizontal dimensions. The region information for each ultrasound scan is, for example, predetermined and stored in the internal storage circuitry 13. The region information acquisition function 182 acquires the predetermined position and size of the region of interest for each ultrasound scan from the internal storage circuitry 13. The region information acquisition function 182 does not necessarily acquire region information for all ultrasound scans included in the scan sequence, but acquires region information for at least one scan. The region information acquisition function 182 may determine region information for other ultrasound scans based on the acquired region information for one ultrasound scan.

[0044] For example, when a scan sequence includes a SWE scan and an ATI scan, the region information acquisition function 182 acquires SWE region information indicating a region in which an elasticity index value and a viscosity index value are acquired by the SWE scan, i.e., a region of interest for the SWE scan, and ATI region information indicating a region in which an attenuation index value is acquired by the ATI scan, i.e., a region of interest for the ATI scan. The SWE region information is an example of first region information in this embodiment. The ATI region information is also an example of second region information in this embodiment.

[0045] The position and size of each region of interest (scan region) may differ between the SWE scan and the ATI scan. That is, the position and size of each scan region indicated by the SWE region information and the ATI region information may differ. The difference in the position of the region of interest includes a difference in depth. Therefore, in general, the SWE region information and the ATI region information indicate different regions.

[0046] The image generation function 183 generates various types of ultrasound image data based on the data generated by the scan execution function 181. Specifically, the image generation function 183 generates B-mode image data made up of pixels by, for example, performing RAW-pixel conversion on the B-mode RAW data stored in the RAW data memory, for example, by performing coordinate conversion according to the ultrasound scanning form of the ultrasound probe 20.

[0047] The image generation function 183 also generates Doppler image data in which blood flow information is visualized, for example, by performing RAW-to-pixel conversion on the Doppler RAW data stored in the RAW data memory. The Doppler image data is velocity image data, variance image data, power image data, or image data that is a combination of these.

[0048] Furthermore, the image generation function 183 generates a first image based on a first index value acquired within the region represented by the SWE region information by executing a SWE scan. The image generation function 183 generates, for example, elasticity image (SWE color) data in which the stiffness of biological tissue is displayed in color based on an index value representing elasticity calculated by the scan execution function 181. The image generation function 183 also generates viscosity image (SWD color) data in which the viscosity of biological tissue is displayed in color based on an index value representing viscosity calculated by the scan execution function 181. The elasticity image and viscosity image are examples of the first image in this embodiment.

[0049] Furthermore, the image generation function 183 generates a second image based on a second index value acquired within the region represented by the ATI region information by executing an ATI scan. The image generation function 183 generates B-mode image data for the attenuation image by, for example, executing RAW-to-pixel conversion on the B-mode RAW data for the attenuation image calculated by the scan execution function 181. Furthermore, the image generation function 183 generates attenuation image (ATI color) data in which the attenuation of the shear wave is displayed in color, based on, for example, the index value representing the attenuation calculated by the scan execution function 181. The attenuation image is an example of a second image in this embodiment.

[0050] The display control function 184 causes the display 16 to display images based on various types of ultrasound image data generated by the image generation function 183. For example, the display control function 184 displays region information and a medical image representing the subject before an ultrasound scan is performed. That is, the display control function 184 causes the display 16 to display region information and a medical image representing the subject (for example, a B-mode image of the subject) before an ultrasound scan is performed to acquire an index value for the region indicated by the region information.

[0051] More specifically, the display control function 184 displays the region information acquired by the region information acquisition function 182 together with a medical image representing the subject (e.g., a B-mode image of the subject). Furthermore, before execution of at least one of a plurality of ultrasound scans executed by the scan sequence, the display control function 184 displays region information representing the region where the scan will be performed (information indicating the region from which an index value will be acquired by execution of the scan). Before execution of at least one of an SWE scan and an ATI scan, the display control function 184 displays at least one of the SWE region information and the second region information and a medical image. More specifically, the display control function 184 displays the SWE region information and the second region information and a medical image before execution of the SWE scan and the ATI scan. For example, the display control function 184 displays, on the display 16, a B-mode image based on B-mode data acquired by a B-mode scan executed before execution of the SWE scan and the ATI scan, a plurality of pieces of region information indicating the regions of interest of the SWE scan and the ATI scan superimposed thereon. A B-mode image based on B-mode data acquired by a B-mode scan is an example of a medical image representing a subject in this embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of SWE region information and ATI region information according to this embodiment. Before performing a SWE scan and an ATI scan, the display control function 184 displays a superimposed image in which the SWE region information and the ATI region information are superimposed on a medical image. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the display control function 184 superimposes a first frame 501 indicating the position and size of the region of interest defined by the SWE region information and a second frame 502 indicating the position and size of the region of interest defined by the ATI region information on a background image 500 and displays them on the display 16. The background image 500 shown in FIG. 2 is a B-mode image based on B-mode data acquired by a B-mode scan.

[0053] The first frame 501 represents a region (SWE region information) where a first index value (elasticity index value, viscosity index value) is acquired by performing an SWE scan. The second frame 502 represents a region (ATI region information) where a second index value (attenuation index value) is acquired by performing an ATI scan.

[0054] 2, the display control function 184 displays a first frame 501 indicating SWE region information and a second frame 502 indicating ATI region information in an overlapping manner on a single background image 500 (medical image of a subject). The display control function 184 may also display the first frame 501 and the second frame 502 in different display modes so that the user can distinguish between them. For example, the display control function 184 may display the first frame 501 and the second frame 502 in different colors, or may distinguish between them by using a dashed line and a solid line. The display control function 184 may also display, in text, on the display 16 which of the regions of interest of the ultrasound scan the first frame 501 and the second frame 502 indicate.

[0055] In addition, when the position or size of the region of interest of either the SWE scan or the ATI scan included in the scan sequence is changed by the user and the position or size of the other region of interest is changed in conjunction by the above-mentioned region information acquisition function 182, the display control function 184 also changes the position or size of the first frame 501 indicating the SWE region information and the position or size of the second frame 502 indicating the ATI region information.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the SWE region information and the ATI region information according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates, as an example, a case where the position and size of the region of interest in the SWE scan are changed by the user. In this case, the region information acquisition function 182 changes the position and size of the region of interest in the ATI scan in response to the change in the position and size of the region of interest in the SWE scan. The display control function 184 changes the positions and sizes of the first frame 501 indicating the SWE region information and the second frame 502 indicating the ATI region information according to the position and size of the region of interest in the SWE scan after the change and the position and size of the region of interest in the ATI scan after the change. Note that, contrary to the example shown in FIG. 3, when the position or size of the region of interest in the ATI scan is changed by the user, the position and size of the region of interest in the SWE scan are changed in conjunction with the change in the region of interest in the ATI scan.

[0057] Furthermore, when one of the region of interest in the SWE scan and the region of interest in the ATI scan is the first region of interest that serves as a reference, the display control function 184 may display which of the region of interest in the SWE scan and the region of interest in the ATI scan is the first region of interest that serves as a reference on the display 16. By displaying in this manner, the user can easily understand whether a change to the region of interest in the SWE scan or the ATI scan will be reflected in the other.

[0058] The display control function 184 also causes the display 16 to display ultrasound images based on various index values ​​acquired in multiple ultrasound scans included in the scan sequence.

[0059] Specifically, the display control function 184 controls the display on the display 16 of an image based on image data including, for example, B-mode image data, B-mode image data for attenuation images, elastic image data, viscous image data, attenuation image data, or at least two of these images, generated by the image generation function 183 from various index values ​​obtained by multiple ultrasound scans included in the scan sequence.

[0060] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of an ultrasound image based on an ultrasound scan according to this embodiment. For example, when the scan sequence includes an SWE scan and an ATI scan, the display control function 184 may display, on the display 16, at least one of an elasticity image and a viscosity image based on various index values ​​(e.g., an elasticity index value, a viscosity index value) acquired by the SWE scan, and an attenuation image based on an attenuation index value acquired by the ATI scan in a dual-screen simultaneous display (TwinView).

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 4, the display control function 184 causes the display 16 to simultaneously display two screens: a first ultrasound image 701 in which a region of interest 511 of an elasticity image based on an SWE scan is superimposed on a B-mode image 601, and a second ultrasound image 702 in which a region of interest 512 of an attenuation image based on an ATI scan is superimposed on a B-mode image 602 for the attenuation image.

[0062] The position and size of a region of interest 511 in the elasticity image based on the SWE scan correspond to the position and size of a first frame 501 indicating the SWE region information displayed before the SWE scan is performed. Furthermore, the position and size of a region of interest 512 in the attenuation image based on the ATI scan correspond to the position and size of a second frame 502 indicating the ATI region information displayed before the ATI scan is performed. The user can confirm the regions of interest in the SWE scan and ATI scan using the first frame 501 and the second frame 502, and take measures such as changing the position or size of each region of interest as necessary before the SWE scan and ATI scan are performed, thereby obtaining regions of interest in the SWE scan and ATI scan with desired positions and sizes.

[0063] 4 is an example, and the display control function 184 may, for example, display each image one by one on a separate screen. Alternatively, the display control function 184 may, for example, display three or more images simultaneously on one screen on the display 16.

[0064] Furthermore, the display control function 184 may convert (scan convert) a scan line signal sequence of an ultrasound scan into a scan line signal sequence of a video format typified by a television or the like, and generate image data for display. The display control function 184 may also perform various processes on the image data for display, such as dynamic range, brightness, contrast, gamma curve correction, RGB conversion, etc. The display control function 184 may also add supplementary information, such as text information of various parameters, scales, and body marks, to the image data for display. The display control function 184 may also generate a user interface (GUI: Graphical User Interface) for the operator to input various instructions via an input device, and display the GUI on the display 16.

[0065] The processing circuitry 18 controls each component in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 to perform an ultrasound scan in the selected imaging mode. Furthermore, for example, when the position of an imaging ROI set in the scan area via the input interface 15 is changed, the processing circuitry 18 performs a scan for performing elastography processing and a scan for performing attenuation imaging processing based on the changed imaging ROI.

[0066] Here, the flow of processing executed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 of this embodiment configured as described above will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. The description will be given taking as an example a case where a scan sequence including a B-mode scan, an SWE scan, and an ATI scan is executed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1.

[0067] First, the scan execution function 181 executes a B-mode scan (S1).

[0068] More specifically, the scan execution function 181 reads out scan conditions for a B-mode scan from the internal storage circuitry 13. The scan execution function 181 sets the read out scan conditions in the ultrasound transmission circuitry 11. As a result, ultrasound is transmitted from the ultrasound probe 20 to a living body P, which is a subject, based on the scan conditions for a B-mode scan. The ultrasound transmitted from the ultrasound probe 20 to the subject is reflected successively by discontinuous surfaces of acoustic impedance in the subject's internal tissue, and is received by the ultrasound probe 20 as reflected wave signals. The ultrasound reception circuitry 12 performs various processes on the reflected wave signals received by the ultrasound probe 20 to generate first received signals. The generated first received signals are held, for example, in a buffer (not shown).

[0069] Next, B-mode image data is generated based on the B-mode scan (S2). More specifically, the scan execution function 181 performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic compression processing, etc. on the first received signal held in the buffer to generate B-mode data. The generated B-mode data is stored in a RAW data memory as B-mode RAW data on a two-dimensional ultrasound scan line (raster). Then, the image generation function 183 generates B-mode image data (medical image of the subject) by, for example, performing RAW-to-pixel conversion on the B-mode RAW data stored in the RAW data memory. The B-mode image data is used as a background image 500 for a first frame 501 indicating SWE region information and a second frame 502 indicating ATI region information.

[0070] Next, the region information acquisition function 182 acquires SWE region information and ATI region information based on the respective scan conditions for the SWE scan and the ATI scan stored in the internal storage circuitry 13 (S3).

[0071] Next, the display control function 184 causes the display 16 to display the region of interest of the SWE scan and the region of interest of the ATI scan superimposed on the B-mode image data as the background image 500 generated in S2 (S4). More specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the display control function 184 displays a first frame 501 indicating the SWE region information acquired in S3 and a second frame 502 indicating the ATI region information superimposed on the background image 500. This allows the user to confirm the region of interest of the SWE scan and the region of interest of the ATI scan when the scan sequence is executed.

[0072] Here, the user can change the region of interest for the SWE scan and the region of interest for the ATI scan. When the region information acquisition function 182 receives a user change to one of the region of interest for the SWE scan and the region of interest for the ATI scan (S5 “Yes”), it may change the setting of the other region of interest in conjunction with the changed region of interest (S6). When the user changes one of the region of interest for the SWE scan and the region of interest for the ATI scan and the region information acquisition function 182 changes the setting of the other region of interest accordingly, the region information acquisition function 182 updates the scan conditions for the SWE scan and the ATI scan stored in the internal storage circuitry 13 based on the changed region of interest for the SWE scan and the ATI scan.

[0073] Then, the display control function 184 displays the changed region of interest of the SWE scan and the region of interest of the ATI scan (S7). More specifically, the display control function 184 changes the position and size of the first frame 501 and the second frame 502 on the background image 500 displayed in S4 to match the changed region of interest of the SWE scan and the region of interest of the ATI scan. Note that if the user has not changed the region of interest of the SWE scan and the region of interest of the ATI scan (S5 "No"), the SWE region information and the ATI region information are not changed, and the process proceeds to S8.

[0074] Thereafter, the scan execution function 181 executes the SWE scan, which is set second in the scan sequence (S8). More specifically, the scan execution function 181 reads out scan conditions for the SWE scan from the internal storage circuitry 13. The scan execution function 181 sets the read out scan conditions in the ultrasound transmission circuitry 11. The scan conditions for the SWE scan are set so that, for example, a push pulse is transmitted to an imaging ROI (region of interest), followed by a tracking pulse. The push pulse is a pulse for propagating a transverse wave (shear wave) called a shear wave within the subject by acoustic radiation force, and is, for example, a pulse with a longer wave train length compared to ordinary ultrasound. The tracking pulse is an ultrasound pulse for observing the shear wave generated by the push pulse.

[0075] The ultrasonic receiving circuit 12 generates reflected wave data (scan data) from the reflected wave signal of the tracking pulse received by the ultrasonic probe 20. The reflected wave data is held in, for example, a buffer.

[0076] The force that displaces the biological tissue is not limited to the acoustic radiation force generated by the push pulse. For example, mechanical vibrations may be applied by an external device to generate displacement in the biological tissue.

[0077] Furthermore, the scan execution function 181 calculates an index value representing the elasticity or viscosity of tissue within the subject based on the received signal received from the ultrasound receiving circuit 12 by executing the SWE scan. For example, the scan execution function 181 measures the propagation velocity of the shear wave based on the reflected wave signal of the tracking pulse stored in the buffer. Furthermore, the scan execution function 181 determines the stiffness of the tissue of the subject P from the measured propagation velocity (shear velocity). For example, the scan execution function 181 calculates Young's modulus, which represents the elasticity of the tissue, from the shear velocity. The shear velocity and Young's modulus calculated by the scan execution function 181 are examples of index values ​​representing the elasticity of the tissue.

[0078] Next, the scan execution function 181 executes the ATI scan, which is set third in the scan sequence (S9). More specifically, the scan execution function 181 reads out the scan conditions for the ATI scan from the internal storage circuitry 13. The processing circuitry 18 sets the read out scan conditions in the ultrasound transmission circuitry 11. In the scan conditions for the ATI scan, the transmission band is determined based on the frequency characteristics of the ultrasound probe 20. For example, the transmission band is a narrowband pulse including a center frequency (single frequency). The transmission band is determined according to the region to be examined.

[0079] Ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 20 to the subject are scattered by structures within the subject and received by the ultrasonic probe 20. The preamplifier 121 of the ultrasonic receiving circuit 12 performs gain adjustment processing on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 20. For example, the preamplifier 121 adjusts the reflected wave signal with a gain value that changes according to a predetermined time response. Specifically, for example, the gain value is set to increase as the depth of the generation position of the reflected wave increases. The time response of the gain when the reflected wave signal is adjusted by the preamplifier 121 is stored in the internal storage circuit 13. The ultrasonic receiving circuit 12 performs various processes on the reflected wave signal after gain adjustment by the preamplifier 121 to generate a fourth received signal. The generated fourth received signal is stored, for example, in a buffer.

[0080] Furthermore, the scan execution function 181 calculates an index value representing the amount of ultrasonic attenuation within the subject based on the received signal received from the ultrasound receiving circuitry 12 by executing the ATI scan. For example, the scan execution function 181 performs a gain correction process on the B-mode RAW data for attenuation images to cancel the gain adjustment based on the time response of the gain stored in the internal storage circuitry 13. That is, the scan execution function 181 performs a correction on the B-mode RAW data for attenuation images to cancel both the reference gain and the adjustment amount according to the echo generation position. The scan execution function 181 calculates an index value representing the amount of attenuation using the B-mode RAW data for attenuation images after gain correction. Specifically, for example, if it is assumed that the distribution of scatterers within the tissue is uniform, the scan execution function 181 calculates the depth gradient of the corrected B-mode RAW data for attenuation images within a predetermined depth range. The scan execution function 181 multiplies the calculated depth gradient by the transmission and reception frequency to calculate an attenuation coefficient. The scan execution function 181 uses the calculated attenuation coefficient as an index value representing the amount of attenuation.

[0081] Then, the image generation function 183 generates elasticity image data that visualizes the shear velocity within the imaging ROI based on the shear velocity calculated from the received signal and a preset color map (S10). Note that the image generation function 183 may also generate elasticity image data that visualizes the Young's modulus within the imaging ROI based on the calculated Young's modulus and a preset color map.

[0082] Although FIG. 5 shows elasticity image data as an example of ultrasound image data based on a SWE scan, viscosity image data may also be used.

[0083] Then, the image generation function 183 generates B-mode image data for the attenuation image by, for example, performing RAW-pixel conversion on the B-mode RAW data for the attenuation image stored in the RAW data memory. Also, the image generation function 183 generates attenuation image data that visualizes the attenuation coefficient in the imaging ROI based on the calculated attenuation coefficient and a preset color map (S11).

[0084] Then, the display control function 184 causes the display 16 to display an elasticity image based on the generated elasticity image data and an attenuation image based on the generated attenuation image data (S12). More specifically, the display control function 184 may, for example, display a first ultrasound image 701 in which the region of interest 511 of the elasticity image based on the SWE scan is superimposed on a B-mode image 601, and a second ultrasound image 702 in which the region of interest 512 of the attenuation image based on the ATI scan is superimposed on a B-mode image 602 for attenuation image, in dual simultaneous screen display on the display 16, as shown in Fig. 4. Here, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0085] In this manner, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 of this embodiment causes the ultrasound probe to perform multiple ultrasound scans in a predetermined order to acquire index values ​​indicating tissue characterization of the subject for each type of tissue characterization, and before performing at least one of the multiple ultrasound scans, acquires region information for each type of tissue characterization indicating the region from which index values ​​will be acquired by performing that scan. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 of this embodiment then displays the acquired region information together with a B-mode image representing the subject. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 of this embodiment makes it possible to easily and efficiently observe multiple different types of tissue characterization.

[0086] Furthermore, with the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment, when multiple scans are performed, the user can grasp in advance the position and size of the region of interest for each of the multiple scans. For example, as described above, the size or position of the region of interest may differ depending on the ultrasound scan. Therefore, if only the region of interest for some of the multiple ultrasound scans is displayed after a B-mode scan, the user cannot grasp the region of interest for the other ultrasound scans for which the region of interest was not displayed. In contrast, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment can assist the user in grasping the region of interest for each of the multiple scans.

[0087] Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment executes a scan sequence including an SWE scan and an ATI scan, and displays at least one of the SWE region information and the ATI region information and a medical image before executing at least one of the SWE scan and the ATI scan. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment allows the user to confirm the region of interest of the scan target before executing at least one of the SWE scan and the ATI scan.

[0088] More specifically, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 of this embodiment displays SWE region information, ATI region information, and a medical image before performing an SWE scan and an ATI scan. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 of this embodiment allows the user to easily and quickly check the regions of interest for each of the SWE scan and the ATI scan before performing the SWE scan and the ATI scan. As described above, the positions and sizes of the regions of interest for the SWE scan and the ATI scan generally differ. Therefore, allowing the user to check the regions of interest for each of the SWE scan and the ATI scan makes it easier for the user to adjust the regions of interest before performing the SWE scan and the ATI scan, improving convenience.

[0089] Furthermore, when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment receives a user operation to change the region information for at least one of the SWE scan and the ATI scan before executing the SWE scan and the ATI scan, it causes the ultrasound probe 20 to execute an ultrasound scan with the region information changed based on the changed region information. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment can execute an ultrasound scan that reflects the change in region information made by the user.

[0090] Furthermore, before performing an SWE scan and an ATI scan, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment displays a superimposed image in which SWE region information and ATI region information are superimposed on a medical image. Specifically, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment displays a first frame 501 indicating the SWE region information and a second frame 502 indicating the ATI region information, superimposed on a single background image 500. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment makes it easy for the user to grasp the differences in position and size between the region of interest in the SWE scan and the region of interest in the ATI scan.

[0091] Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment determines the position and size of a region of interest of one of the multiple ultrasound scans included in a scan sequence based on the position and size of the region of interest of the other ultrasound scans. Therefore, with the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment, once the user defines the position and size of a region of interest of one of the ultrasound scans, the positions and sizes of the regions of interest of the other ultrasound scans are automatically determined, thereby reducing the user's workload.

[0092] Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment displays the first frame 501 indicating the SWE region information and the second frame 502 indicating the ATI region information in different display modes. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment makes it easy for the user to distinguish and understand the region of interest of the SWE scan and the region of interest of the ATI scan.

[0093] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, the position and size of the region of interest for the SWE scan and the ATI scan are determined in advance. However, the region information acquisition function 182 may determine the position and size of the region of interest for the SWE scan and the ATI scan based on the brightness distribution obtained as a result of the B-mode scan. The brightness distribution conditions suitable for the region of interest for the SWE scan and the ATI scan are stored in, for example, the internal storage circuitry 13. The determination of the position and size of the region of interest for each ultrasound scan by the region information acquisition function 182 is an example of acquiring region information in this modification.

[0094] The region information acquisition function 182 may identify the body structure of the subject from the brightness distribution obtained as a result of the B-mode scan and determine a region of interest suitable for each ultrasound scan. The region of interest suitable for each ultrasound scan is, for example, a region that has no or few structures outside the observation target of each ultrasound scan.

[0095] For example, an SWE scan is an ultrasound scan that can measure the elasticity or viscosity of target tissue, but if the target of the SWE scan is the liver, it is desirable that the region of interest of the SWE scan does not include large blood vessels in order to measure the elasticity or viscosity of the liver itself. For this reason, the region information acquisition function 182 of this modified example automatically determines the position and size of the region of interest of the SWE scan from the results of the B-mode scan, while avoiding the blood vessels of the subject.

[0096] (Variation 2) Furthermore, the region information acquisition function 182 may determine the position and size of a region of interest of one ultrasound scan among multiple ultrasound scans included in a scan sequence based on the position and size of the region of interest of another ultrasound scan. In this case, the region of interest of the reference ultrasound scan may be referred to as a first region of interest, and the region of interest of another ultrasound scan determined based on the first region of interest may be referred to as a second region of interest. For example, the region information acquisition function 182 may determine the position and size of the region of interest of either the SWE scan or the ATI scan based on the position and size of the other region of interest. For example, when the region of interest of the SWE scan is the first region of interest, the region information acquisition function 182 may determine the position and size of the region of interest of the ATI scan by offsetting the position and length (e.g., length and width) of the region of interest of the SWE scan. The offset amount may be predetermined depending on the type of ultrasound scan to be linked with the reference ultrasound scan and may be stored, for example, in the internal storage circuitry 13. Furthermore, the region information acquisition function 182 may automatically change the offset amount for the region of interest of the ATI scan depending on the scan conditions of the SWE scan.

[0097] Furthermore, the reference ultrasound scan may be selectable by the user. For example, in the normal mode, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may be configured so that the region of interest of the SWE scan is set as the first region of interest, and the user may change the setting to set the region of interest of the ATI scan as the first region of interest.

[0098] Furthermore, the region information acquisition function 182 may determine the region of interest for the SWE scan and the region of interest for the ATI scan separately, rather than determining the region of interest for the SWE scan based on the region of interest for the SWE scan. For example, the region information acquisition function 182 may determine the region of interest for the SWE scan and the region of interest for the ATI scan based on a user's input operation that separately sets the region of interest for the SWE scan and the region of interest for the ATI scan.

[0099] (Variation 3) In the above-described embodiment, the display control function 184 of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 displays a superimposed image in which SWE region information and ATI region information are superimposed on a medical image (B-mode image) of the subject before the first and second scans are performed. However, the display mode is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the display control function 184 may display a first superimposed image 51 in which a first frame 501 indicating SWE region information is superimposed on a medical image (B-mode image) of the subject before the first and second scans are performed, and a second superimposed image 52 in which a second frame 502 indicating ATI region information is superimposed on the same medical image (B-mode image), side by side on the display 16 before the first and second scans are performed. In other words, the display control function 184 may display the SWE region information and the ATI region information side by side on two screens. By displaying the first superimposed image and the second superimposed image side by side before the first and second scans are performed, the user can easily compare the SWE region information and the ATI region information.

[0100] In addition, the display mode of the SWE region information and ATI region information described in Figure 2 in the above-mentioned embodiment and the display mode of the SWE region information and ATI region information of this modified example shown in Figure 6 may be selectable arbitrarily by user operation.

[0101] 2 and 6 show two regions of interest to be displayed, three or more pieces of region information may be displayed depending on the number of ultrasound scans in the scan sequence. In this case, the three or more pieces of region information may be displayed superimposed on one background image 500 as shown in FIG. 2, or may be displayed on separate background images 500 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0102] (Variation 4) In the above-described embodiment, the first frame 501 and the second frame 502 indicating the region information of the SWE scan and the ATI scan are displayed after the B-mode scan and before the SWE scan and the ATI scan, respectively. However, the display timing is not limited to this. Each region information may be displayed before at least one of the ultrasound scans included in the scan sequence. For example, the second frame 502 indicating the region of interest of the ATI scan may be displayed after the SWE scan and before the ATI scan. For example, the display control function 184 may display the medical image, the first image, and the ATI region information after the SWE scan and before the ATI scan. According to the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this modification, the user can confirm the first image obtained by the SWE scan and the region of interest in the current ATI scan settings before the ATI scan. Therefore, according to the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this modification, the user can easily adjust the region of interest of the ATI scan based on the results of the SWE scan before the ATI scan.

[0103] (Variation 5) In the above embodiment, after a B-mode scan is performed, the user can change the position and size of another ultrasound scan included in the scan sequence (e.g., an SWE scan and an ATI scan) before the other ultrasound scan is performed. However, the change in the position and size of the region of interest is not limited to this case. For example, the region information acquisition function 182 may accept an operation by the user to change the position and size of the region of interest of an ATI scan after the SWE scan is performed.

[0104] Furthermore, the region information acquisition function 182 of this modification may change region information indicating a region from which an index value will be acquired by executing another ultrasound scan, based on the results of the execution of one ultrasound scan. For example, during the execution of a scan sequence including two or more types of ultrasound scans, the region information acquisition function 182 may determine the position and size of the region of interest of the ultrasound scan to be executed later, based on information obtained from signal information obtained in the ultrasound scan that was executed earlier.

[0105] As a specific example, in an ATI scan, it may be necessary to exclude from the region of interest a region where multiple reflections of ultrasound waves occur. When the region of interest for the ATI scan is determined based on the region of interest for the SWE scan, the region information acquisition function 182 may determine the region of interest for the ATI scan so as to exclude a region where the results of the SWE scan are unstable during execution of a scan sequence defined so that the ATI scan is performed after the SWE scan.

[0106] Furthermore, if a region of interest from which index values ​​are to be acquired by performing another ultrasound scan is changed based on the results of one ultrasound scan during execution of a scan sequence, the display control function 184 displays region information indicating the changed region of interest and a medical image before execution of the other ultrasound scan. Specifically, for example, after execution of an SWE scan and before execution of an ATI scan, the display control function 184 changes the position and size of the second frame 502 on the background image 500 based on the changed region of interest of the ATI scan.

[0107] With this configuration, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this modification can appropriately change the region of interest for a later ultrasound scan based on the results of a previously performed ultrasound scan. Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this modification displays the changed region of interest for the later ultrasound scan before the ultrasound scan is performed, allowing the user to confirm the changed region of interest before the ultrasound scan is performed.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the position or size of a region of interest in one of the scans included in the scan sequence is changed by the user, the region information acquisition function 182 changes the position or size of the region of interest in the other scans included in the scan sequence accordingly, but the position and size of each region of interest may also be changed separately.

[0109] (Variation 6) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which a scan sequence including a B-mode scan, an SWE scan, and an ATI scan is executed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1, but the types and execution order of ultrasound scans included in the scan sequence are not limited to those in the above-described embodiment.

[0110] For example, in the scan sequence, the ATI scan may be performed before the SWE scan. That is, the scan sequence may be defined so that the B-mode scan, the ATI scan, and the SWE scan are performed in this order. In this case, the display control function 184 may display the medical image, the second image, and the SWE region information after the ATI scan and before the SWE scan. According to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 of this modification, the user can check the second image obtained by the ATI scan and the region of interest in the current settings of the SWE scan before the SWE scan is performed.

[0111] (Variation 7) In the above-described embodiment, the scan sequence includes a B-mode scan, an SWE scan, and an ATI scan, but the scan sequence may further include various types of scans for obtaining other index values.

[0112] For example, the scan sequence may include an SWD (Shear Wave Dispersion) scan. In this case, the SWD scan may be an example of a first scan. In this case, the processing circuitry 18 of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 may have a dispersion processing function for calculating elasticity index values ​​and viscosity index values ​​of tissues in the subject from the frequency dispersion of the shear waves. The elasticity index value and viscosity index value calculated from the frequency dispersion of the shear waves may be an example of a first index value indicating tissue properties based on the shear waves propagating through the subject in this modification.

[0113] The scan sequence may also include a sound speed imaging scan. A sound speed imaging scan is an ultrasound scan that obtains a sound speed index value of ultrasound. In this case, the sound speed imaging scan may be an example of a second scan. In this case, the processing circuitry 18 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may also be equipped with a sound speed imaging processing function. The sound speed index value may be an example of a second index value that indicates tissue properties based on ultrasound propagating through the subject in this modified example. In addition, when a scan sequence includes an SWD scan or a sound speed imaging scan, the SWE scan and the ATI scan do not need to be included in the scan sequence.

[0114] (Variation 8) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a B-mode image based on signal information obtained by a B-mode scan is used as the background image 500, but the background image 500 is not limited to the B-mode image.

[0115] Examples of medical images representing a subject that can be used as the background image 500 include a camera image capturing the subject's appearance, a previously captured ultrasound image, and a medical image captured by another modality. The other modality may be, for example, an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) device, an X-ray diagnostic device, another ultrasound diagnostic device, a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) device, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, or a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) device. When a medical image captured by a modality other than the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is used as the background image 500, the display control function 184 adjusts the scale of the medical image to that of an ultrasound image generated based on an ultrasound scan by the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. The display control function 184 adjusts the scale by, for example, enlarging or reducing the medical image captured by the other modality.

[0116] Furthermore, the display control function 184 may display the SWE region information and the ATI region information without displaying the background image 500. For example, a frame indicating the imaging range of the B-mode scan may be displayed instead of the background image 500. When this configuration is employed, the display control function 184 may display a frame indicating the imaging range of the B-mode scan before the execution of the B-mode scan, and may also display, within the frame, a first frame 501 indicating the position and size of the region of interest of the SWE scan and a second frame 502 indicating the position and size of the region of interest of the ATI scan.

[0117] Note that if the background image 500 is not a B-mode image or if the background image 500 is not used, the scan execution function 181 does not need to execute a B-mode scan. In this case, the scan sequence may include, for example, only an SWE scan and an ATI scan.

[0118] (Variation 9) In the above-described embodiment, the scan execution function 181 executes an ATI scan separately from a B-mode scan. However, a B-mode scan may be used instead of an ATI scan. That is, the image generation function 183 may generate an attenuation image based on received signals acquired by a B-mode scan instead of received signals acquired by an TI scan. When this configuration is employed, there is no need to scan again toward the region of interest for ATI after a B-mode scan, thereby reducing the number of scans.

[0119] (Variation 10) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, various ultrasound images are displayed on the display 16 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. However, the display destination of the ultrasound images is not limited to the display 16. For example, ultrasound images may be displayed on the display of another device connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 by wire or wirelessly.

[0120] (Variation 11) In the above-described embodiment, the region information acquisition function 182 acquires SWE region information and ATI region information based on the scan conditions for the SWE scan and the scan conditions for the ATI scan stored in the internal storage circuitry 13. However, the method for determining the regions of interest for the SWE scan and the ATI scan is not limited to this. For example, the region information acquisition function 182 may set the region of interest for the recommended SWE scan and the region of interest for the recommended ATI scan based on the results of a B-mode scan. Specifically, the region information acquisition function 182 may identify tissue structures that affect the scattering of shear waves or regions that have sufficient brightness for measuring shear waves based on the brightness values ​​of the results of the B-mode scan. The region information acquisition function 182 may also determine a region that does not have tissue structures that affect the scattering of shear waves and has sufficient brightness as the region of interest for the SWE scan.

[0121] Furthermore, in a scan sequence in which an SWE scan is performed before an ATI scan, the region information acquisition function 182 may set a region of interest for the recommended ATI scan based on the results of the SWE scan. For example, the region information acquisition function 182 may identify a region from which reflected waves can be stably collected based on the results of the SWE scan and set the identified region as a region of interest recommended for the ATI scan. Furthermore, the region information acquisition function 182 may set a region of interest for the recommended ATI scan based on both the results of the B-mode scan and the SWE scan. Furthermore, in a scan sequence in which an ATI scan is performed before an SWE scan, the region information acquisition function 182 may set a region of interest for the recommended SWE scan based on the results of the ATI scan. Furthermore, the region information acquisition function 182 may set a region of interest for the recommended SWE scan based on both the results of the B-mode scan and the ATI scan.

[0122] The display control function 184 may cause the display 16 to display a region of interest for the SWE scan and a region of interest for the ATI scan that are recommended based on the results of a previously performed ultrasound scan. The user may determine the placement of the region of interest for the SWE scan and the region of interest for the ATI scan based on the displayed recommended region of interest for the SWE scan and the recommended region of interest for the ATI scan.

[0123] The various data handled in this specification are typically digital data.

[0124] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to easily and efficiently observe a plurality of different types of tissue properties.

[0125] Although several embodiments and modifications have been described, these embodiments and modifications are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 10. Device body 11 Ultrasonic transmission circuit 12 Ultrasonic receiving circuit 13 Internal memory circuit 14 Image Memory 15 Input Interface 16 Display 17 Communication Interface 20 Ultrasound Probe 50 External device 51 First area display image 52 Second area display image 111 Pulse Generator 112 Transmission delay circuit 113 Pulser Circuit 121 Preamp 122 A / D converter 123 Demodulator 124 Beamformer 181 Scan execution function 182 Area information acquisition function 183 Image generation function 184 Display Control Function 500,500a,500b background image 501 First Frame 502 Second Frame 511,512 Areas of Interest 601 B-mode images 602 B-mode image for attenuation image 701 First ultrasound image 702 Second ultrasound image NW Network P living organism

Claims

1. a scan execution unit that causes an ultrasound probe to execute a plurality of ultrasound scans to acquire index values ​​indicating tissue properties of the subject for each type of tissue property; a region information acquisition unit that acquires region information indicating a region from which the index value is acquired by performing the ultrasound scan; a display control unit that displays the region information and a medical image representing the subject before the ultrasound scan is performed; A medical image processing device comprising:

2. the plurality of ultrasound scans include a first scan for acquiring a first index value based on shear waves propagating within the subject, and a second scan for acquiring a second index value based on attenuation of ultrasound within the subject; the region information acquisition unit acquires first region information indicating a region from which the first index value is acquired and second region information indicating a region from which the second index value is acquired; the display control unit displays at least one of the first region information and the second region information and the medical image before performing at least one of the first scan and the second scan. The medical image processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the display control unit displays the first region information, the second region information, and the medical image before the first scan and the second scan are performed. The medical image processing device according to claim 2 .

4. an image generating unit configured to generate a first image based on the first index value acquired within the region represented by the first region information by executing the first scan; the display control unit displays the medical image, the first image, and the second region information after the first scan is performed and before the second scan is performed. The medical image processing device according to claim 2 .

5. an image generating unit configured to generate a second image based on the second index value acquired within the region represented by the second region information by executing the second scan; the display control unit displays the medical image, the second image, and the first region information after the second scan is performed and before the first scan is performed. The medical image processing device according to claim 2 .

6. the region information acquisition unit changes region information indicating a region from which the index value is to be acquired by executing another ultrasound scan based on a result of the execution of one ultrasound scan; the display control unit displays the changed region information and the medical image before the execution of the other ultrasound scan. The medical image processing device according to claim 1 .

7. the region information acquisition unit accepts an operation to change at least one of the region information of the first region information and the second region information before the first scan and the second scan are performed; the scan execution unit causes the ultrasound probe to execute the ultrasound scan based on the changed region information. The medical image processing device according to claim 3 .

8. the display control unit displays, side by side, a first superimposed image in which the first region information is superimposed on the medical image and a second superimposed image in which the second region information is superimposed on the medical image, before the first scan and the second scan are performed. The medical image processing device according to claim 3 .

9. the display control unit displays a superimposed image in which the first region information and the second region information are superimposed on the medical image before the first scan and the second scan are performed. The medical image processing device according to claim 3 .

10. a scan execution step of causing an ultrasound probe to execute a plurality of ultrasound scans to acquire index values ​​indicating tissue properties of the subject for each type of tissue property; a region information acquisition step of acquiring region information indicating a region from which the index value is acquired by performing the ultrasound scan; a display control step of displaying the region information and a medical image representing the subject before the ultrasound scan is performed. Medical image processing methods.

11. Computer, a scan execution unit that causes the ultrasound probe to execute a plurality of ultrasound scans to acquire index values ​​indicating tissue properties of the subject for each type of tissue property; a region information acquisition unit that acquires region information indicating a region from which the index value is acquired by performing the ultrasound scan; and a display control unit that displays the region information and a medical image representing the subject before the ultrasound scan is performed; program.

Images