[Computer-supported tissue characterization in musculoskeletal ultrasonography]

A new diagnostic system combining conventional gray-scale ultrasonography (US) and computer-assisted texture analysis of sonograms makes it possible to differentiate more easily between specific neuromuscular diseases. The first step involves myosonography with strictly standardized US. In a group of 72 patients with histologically and molecular-genetically confirmed diagnosis 63 patients (88%) were diagnosed by conventional US as having Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, hereditary sensomotor neuropathy or inflammatory myopathy. Secondly, in a double blind setting computer-assisted texture analysis was used on the same sample of subjects. Tissue Texture can be characterized by the brightness as well as the micro- and macro-structure of the tissue. The use of these parameters leads to a sensitivity of 77 to 94% and a specificity of 81 to 98%. In conclusion, the combination of both techniques allows us to avoid invasive diagnostic procedures in a substantial group of patients.