An improved stochastic approach to rf amplitude analysis in ultrasonic cardiac tissue characterization

We carried out a series of studies to improve the reproducibility of methods for ultrasonic myocardial tissue characterization using a stochastic approach to amplitude analysis of radiofrequency signals previously reported from our laboratory. Analysis of transducer scanner characteristics, data acquisition and processing, and data display from studies in tissue phantoms permit us to define some features of a parameter for expression of tissue character. The ratio of mean to standard deviation of the amplitude histogram from our system is explored as now implemented in our laboratory for reproducible measurements. The theoretical basis for understanding the utility of this method in defining tissue architecture and pathologic conditions requires further work.