Lung Ultrasound Artifacts Interpreted as Pathology Footprints

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Pulmonology
• Acoustics

Background:

• Lung ultrasound (LUS) acoustic signs were initially considered artifacts.
• This perspective limited the understanding of LUS diagnostic capabilities.
• However, LUS has demonstrated significant diagnostic accuracy in various lung pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a physical explanation for the genesis of LUS acoustic signs.
• To establish the relationship between LUS visual characteristics and lung histopathology.
• To reframe LUS acoustic signs as valuable anatomical information rather than artifacts.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of lung ultrasound data using a specific long-term method.
• Conversion of artefactual information into anatomical insights.
• Illustration of the link between acoustic sign appearance and lung surface pathology.

Main Results:

• A physical explanation for the generation of acoustic signs via "acoustic traps" is presented.
• Acoustic signs quantitatively map the distribution of these traps on the lung surface.
• Two key factors influencing signal alteration were identified.

Conclusions:

• LUS acoustic signs are generated by energy release from acoustic traps.
• These signs are not artifacts but are pathology footprints providing anatomical information.
• Dynamic focusing algorithms and probe types significantly impact the visual appearance of acoustic signs.