Ultrasonic Measurement of Tissue Motion for the Diagnosis of Disease

Ultrasonic pulsed Doppler velocimetry has become a standard international method of classifying carotid disease. Because the measured angle adjusted velocity increases as the Doppler angle increases, examinations should be performed at a convenient standard Doppler examination angle. An angle of 60 degrees is achievable throughout most examinations. Multiple Doppler viewing angles allow the acquisition of velocity vectors during the cardiac cycle, revealing the complex velocity patterns. Ultrasonic velocimetry (whether Doppler or time domain) is based on changes in the phase of the ultrasound echo. Other examinations can be done based on the echo phase. Slow motions of organs such as the brain can be used to monitor changes in edema. Measurements of tissue strain due to the pulsatile filling of the arterioles. This plethysmographic imaging method can display differences in tissue perfusion because of different tissue types and changes in autonomic activity.