Computer-Aided Diagnosis Methods for High-Frequency Ultrasound Data Analysis: A Review

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Computer-Aided Diagnosis
• Ultrasound Technology

Background:

• Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems assist clinicians in daily tasks.
• Image processing techniques offer fast, repeatable, and robust methods for medical image analysis.
• High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) analysis is rapidly advancing diagnostic capabilities in dermatology, allergology, cosmetology, and aesthetic medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a research overview of high-frequency ultrasound image processing techniques for CAD systems.
• To categorize reviewed methods by application, ultrasound device, and image data-processing type.
• To bridge diagnostic needs with existing HFUS solutions and discuss future directions.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted from 2005 to September 2022.
• 31 studies describing image processing methods were reviewed.
• A quantitative and qualitative analysis of 39 selected algorithms was performed, supplemented by 20 medical papers.

Main Results:

• The review categorizes HFUS image processing techniques based on application, device, and processing type.
• Identified 39 effective algorithms for HFUS image analysis.
• Highlighted the potential of HFUS in various medical fields and for CAD development.

Conclusions:

• High-frequency ultrasound image processing techniques show significant potential for integration into computer-aided diagnosis systems.
• Further research is needed to address limitations and explore future opportunities in HFUS analysis for medical applications.
• This overview serves as a foundation for developing advanced CAD systems utilizing HFUS technology.