JP2011087629A - Ultrasonograph and timer display program of ultrasonic image - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To start the measurement of time in linkage with at least contrast medium administration. <P>SOLUTION: The measurement of the time is started by a timer part from the time when the preservation of ultrasonic image data in an image signal collecting memory or the like is started by a linked display part, or the measurement of the time is started in linkage with the administration of a contrast medium to a subject. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention displays an ultrasound image for diagnosis by administering an ultrasound contrast agent (hereinafter abbreviated as contrast agent) to a subject such as a human body, and also provides a diagnosis time for a subject to which a contrast agent is administered, etc. The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus having a timer display function for measuring the above and an ultrasonic image timer display program.

  A contrast harmonic method (CHI method) in which a contrast medium is administered to a subject such as a human body and only the contrast medium is imaged with high sensitivity is used for an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus. In this CHI method, when imaging by the CHI method is turned on as shown in FIG. 14, after the mode transition, an ultrasonic beam is transmitted at a constant interval to be turned on, and manual operation is possible. Administer contrast agent. Thereby, the ultrasonic image of the subject to which the contrast agent is administered is displayed on the monitor of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus.

  When an operator such as a doctor presses down an image storage switch on the operation panel, storage of ultrasonic image data is started. Next, when an operator such as a doctor presses down a timer switch for measuring the diagnosis time for the subject on the operation panel, the time measurement by the timer display function is started. FIG. 15 shows the ultrasonic image P displayed on the monitor and the measurement time T by the timer display function. When the diagnosis for the subject is completed, the timer display function is also stopped. This timer display function measures the entire examination time centered on the contrast examination for the subject, measures the period from the start of ultrasound image data storage or the start of supplementation of the contrast agent, It is used as an aid to confirm the valid time.

For example, there are Patent Documents 1 to 5 as technologies related to an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus that displays an ultrasonic image when a contrast agent is administered and displays a timer such as a diagnostic time for a subject. Patent Document 1 relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, which makes it possible to visually recognize a change in temporal distribution of a contrast medium to be administered to a subject. The brightness distribution of an ultrasonic image by contrast medium administration is imaged and displayed in a graph. To disclose.
Patent Literature 2 relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and discloses that an ultrasonic image data is displayed and a stopwatch for measuring an arbitrary time in ultrasonic diagnosis is provided.
Patent Literature 3 relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and discloses that each display of an elapsed time after freeze release, a freeze continuation time, a contrast agent administration time, and a countdown time until the next operation is performed.
Patent Document 4 relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and includes a first ultrasonic probe for generating an ultrasonic image and a second ultrasonic probe for detecting a Doppler component when a contrast agent is administered. These sensors are used to detect the contrast medium flowing into the upper arm vein, and send a start signal to the contrast timer after a delay time adjusted by the operator after the contrast medium flows. To disclose.
Patent Document 5 relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, which obtains and analyzes a plurality of data of echo intensity temporal changes in one measurement. For example, when a contrast agent is administered a plurality of times, an ultrasonograph for each administration of the contrast agent is disclosed. It is disclosed that graphs of changes in luminance of sound wave images are displayed in an overlapping manner so that changes in luminance at the time of administration of each contrast agent can be confirmed at a time.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-178820 JP 2001-178717 A JP 2004-148015 A JP 2008-259738 A JP 2008-92986 A

  However, the timer display function can be used only in the function of the CHI method in the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, and ends when the CHI ends. Further, only one timer switch is provided as a function of the conventional apparatus, and only one measurement object can be measured. Furthermore, since the timer display function cannot start measuring time by manual operation on the timer switch, the timer display cannot function in conjunction with the contrast effect after the contrast medium is administered to the subject. In addition, the timer display function cannot be started in conjunction with contrast medium administration in order to observe the change in luminance of the ultrasound image after contrast medium administration.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus and an ultrasonic image timer display program capable of starting time measurement in conjunction with at least the administration of a contrast medium.

  An ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus corresponding to claim 1 transmits an ultrasound beam from an ultrasound probe to a subject, receives a reflected wave from the subject, and receives ultrasound image data of the subject. An ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus for creating a time measurement unit that starts measuring time in conjunction with administration of a contrast agent to the subject, and displays the ultrasonic image data and the time measurement And a display unit for displaying the time measured by the unit.

  An ultrasonic image timer display program corresponding to claim 15 transmits an ultrasonic beam from an ultrasonic probe to a subject, receives a reflected wave from the subject, and receives ultrasonic waves from the subject. A brightness curve of image data is generated, and the computer starts measuring time in conjunction with at least the administration of the contrast agent to the subject, displays the ultrasonic image data, and the measured A display function that displays the measured time on the display unit, a change function that enables the measurement start time of the time to be changed during the measurement of the time, and time measurement in conjunction with the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data. A luminance value measurement function to be started, a plurality of periods having different time zones are set, a period setting function to set the measurement start time of each time in each of these periods, and the contrast agent is injected to the subject. Each time the contrast agent is administered, a continuous administration measurement start function that starts measurement of each time in conjunction with each administration of the contrast agent, and the contrast agent when the contrast agent is administered to the subject based on the information on the contrast agent Prediction curve generation for predicting a change in luminance value of ultrasonic image data and generating the prediction curve, and displaying the change in luminance value of the ultrasonic image data due to administration of the contrast agent together with the prediction curve on the display unit At least one of a function and a pre-display function for displaying the predicted time until the specific luminance value in advance from before administration of the contrast agent is realized.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus and an ultrasonic image timer display program capable of starting time measurement at least in conjunction with contrast agent administration.

1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the present invention. The timer display flowchart in the same apparatus. The figure which shows the flow of the timer measurement start by the interlocking | linkage display part in the same apparatus. The figure which shows the relationship between the brightness | luminance curve H of the ultrasonic image data when using the CHI method by the interlocking display part in the same apparatus, and the measurement time T which is a timer display. The figure which shows the change of the time measurement start time by the display change part in the same apparatus. The relationship between the luminance curve H of the ultrasonic image data and the measurement time T, which is a timer display, when the time measurement start time by the display change unit in the apparatus is changed retroactively to the time when the storage of the ultrasonic image data is started. FIG. The figure which shows the start of the time measurement by the some timer linked with the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data by the luminance value measurement part in the apparatus. The figure which shows the start of measurement of each time in the some period etc. interlock | cooperating with the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data by the period setting part in the apparatus. The figure which shows the start of the measurement of each time when the contrast agent is administered to the subject in multiple times by the continuous administration measurement start part in the same apparatus. The figure which shows the brightness | luminance curve of the actual ultrasonic image data when the same contrast agent is administered to the subject in multiple times by the continuous administration measurement start part in the same apparatus. The figure which shows an example of alerting | reporting promotion of contrast agent administration by the continuous administration measurement start part in the same apparatus. The figure which shows the example of a display with the prediction curve E in the same apparatus, and the luminance curve H of the ultrasonic image data by administration of a contrast agent. The figure which shows the example of a display of the prediction curve E after a certain time progress after administration of the contrast agent in the same apparatus, and the luminance curve H of the ultrasonic image data by administration of a contrast agent. The flowchart which shows the timer measurement start of the timer display function by the conventional CHI method. The figure which shows the example of a display of the measurement time by the timer display function on a monitor.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus. The ultrasonic probe 1 is provided detachably with respect to the apparatus main body, and transmits an ultrasonic beam to the subject and receives a reflected wave from the subject. The ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 2 electrically processes the reflected wave from the subject received by the ultrasonic probe 1. The echo signal processing unit 3 performs echo signal processing on the output signal of the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 2 to generate image data (low data) before generating ultrasonic image data.
The image data generation unit 4 generates ultrasonic image data from the signal subjected to echo signal processing by the echo signal processing unit 3. The image signal collection memory 5 stores ultrasonic image data generated by the image data generation unit 4.

  The image data control unit 6 generates display image data for displaying the ultrasonic image data stored in the image signal collection memory 5 on the monitor 91 in the user interface (UI) 9. The display control unit 7 displays the display image data generated by the image data control unit 6 on the monitor 91. In addition, a raw data collection memory 8 is connected to the echo signal processing unit 3. The raw data collection memory 8 stores image data (raw data) before generating the ultrasonic image data generated by the echo signal processing unit 3.

  The control processing unit 10 controls a series of operations of transmitting an ultrasonic beam from the ultrasonic probe 1, receiving a reflected wave from the subject, generating ultrasonic image data, and displaying it on the monitor 91. For example, it comprises a microprocessor comprising a CPU, RAM, program ROM, and the like. The control processing unit 10 is connected to a user interface (UI) 9 and a storage unit 11 and can read data from the raw data collection memory 8 and the image signal collection memory 5. The user interface (UI) 9 includes a monitor 91 and an operation panel 92 including a timer switch for instructing administration of a contrast medium. In the storage unit 11, an image reproduction condition database 11a and an expected curve database 11b are formed.

  The program ROM stores an ultrasonic image timer display program in advance. This ultrasound image timer display program creates an intensity curve of the ultrasound image data of the subject by transmitting an ultrasound beam from the ultrasound probe to the subject and receiving a reflected wave from the subject. An ultrasound image display program for causing a computer such as a microprocessor to start measuring time in conjunction with the administration of a contrast agent to at least a subject, displaying a luminance curve of ultrasound image data, and measuring Display function that displays the measured time on the display unit, display change function that allows the measurement start time to be changed during time measurement, and time measurement in conjunction with the luminance value of the ultrasound image data A brightness value measurement function for starting a measurement, a period setting function for setting a plurality of periods in different time zones, and setting a measurement start time for each of these periods, and a contrast agent for the subject A continuous administration measurement start function that starts measurement of each time in conjunction with each administration of these contrast agents, and an ultrasound image when a contrast agent is administered to a subject based on information about the contrast agents Predictive curve creation function that predicts changes in brightness value of data and creates the prediction curve, and displays the change in brightness value of ultrasound image data due to administration of contrast agent together with the prediction curve, and a specific brightness At least one of the pre-display function for displaying the predicted time to the value in advance from the administration of the contrast agent is realized.

The control processing unit 10 executes an ultrasonic image timer display program, thereby performing a linked display unit 101 (linked with panel operation / macro), a display change unit (set retrospectively) 102, and a luminance value measuring unit (brightness). A state setting unit 103, a period setting unit (linked with a phase state) 104, a continuous administration measurement start unit (linked with contrast agent continuous injection) 105, a prediction curve creation unit 106, and a prior display unit 107. It becomes.
In addition, the control processing unit 10 includes a timer unit 108. The timer unit 108 can measure a plurality of times separately, and has, for example, a plurality of timers.

The control processing unit 10 includes an interlocking display unit 101, a display change unit 102, a luminance value measurement unit 103, a period setting unit 104, and a continuous administration measurement start unit according to a timer start condition that is input to the operation panel 92. One of 105, the prediction curve creation unit 106, and the prior display unit 107 is executed.
The interlocking display unit 101 starts time measurement in conjunction with at least the administration of the contrast agent to the subject, and displays the measured time on the monitor 91 together with the ultrasonic image data. This interlocking display unit 101 is operated by the timer unit 108 from the time when an instruction to administer the contrast medium is given to the switch of the operation panel 92 or when the storage of the ultrasonic image data is started in the image signal collection memory 5 or the like. Start measurement.
The display change unit 102 can change the measurement start time of the time during the time measurement by the timer unit 108.

The luminance value measuring unit 103 starts measuring time in conjunction with the luminance value indicating the intensity of the ultrasonic image data. The luminance value measuring unit 103 can set a plurality of time measurement start times. The luminance value measuring unit 103 is, for example, ultrasonic image data obtained by starting the measurement of the total time required for diagnosis after administering the contrast medium to the subject, administering the contrast medium to the subject, and administering the contrast medium. The measurement start time is set to at least one of the start of the increase of the brightness value or the time when the brightness value of the ultrasonic image data reaches a preset brightness range.
The period setting unit 104 sets a plurality of periods each having a different time zone, and sets a measurement start time for each of these periods.

  The continuous administration measurement start unit 105 starts measuring each time in conjunction with each administration of the contrast agent every time the contrast agent is administered to the subject in a plurality of times. The continuous administration measurement start unit 105 notifies the promotion of the next contrast agent administration from a predetermined period before the preset second and subsequent administrations of the contrast agent.

The prediction curve creating unit 106 creates a prediction curve by predicting a change in the luminance value of the ultrasound image data when the contrast agent is administered to the subject based on information on the contrast agent and the like, and contrasts with the prediction curve. A change in the actual luminance value of the ultrasonic image data due to the administration of the agent is displayed on the monitor 91. Information regarding the contrast agent and the like is stored in the predicted curve database 11b. The information on the contrast agent and the like includes, for example, data of characteristics of a plurality of contrast agents, data of contrast effect by these contrast agents, data of characteristics of each part of the subject such as the human body, disease state of the subject such as the human body, Has age, weight, blood volume, etc.
The prediction curve creation unit 106 changes the prediction curve following the change in the actual luminance value of the ultrasound image data due to the administration of the contrast agent. Further, the prediction curve creation unit 106 displays the prediction time to a specific luminance value on the monitor 91 based on the prediction curve and the change in the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data. The prediction curve creation unit 106 updates the change in the luminance value of the ultrasound image data due to the administration of the contrast agent and the prediction time until the specific luminance value in real time.

The prior display unit 107 displays the predicted time to the specific brightness value in advance from before the contrast agent is administered.
An electrocardiograph 12 is connected to the control processing unit 10. The electrocardiograph 12 outputs a biological signal representing the electrical phenomenon of the subject's heart. The biological signal output from the electrocardiograph 12 is input to the control processing unit 10 as an electrocardiogram signal. When the control processing unit 10 instructs the start of diagnosis linked to the electrocardiogram waveform, the control processing unit 10 aligns the ultrasound probe 1 with the site of the affected part such as the tumor of the subject to thereby adjust the site of the affected part such as the tumor of the subject. Including scanning control of the ultrasonic beam.

  The ultrasonic probe 1 transmits an ultrasonic beam to the subject and receives a reflected wave from the subject. The ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 2 electrically processes the reflected wave received by the ultrasonic probe 1, and the echo signal processing unit 3 performs echo signal processing on the output signal of the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 2 to generate an image. Data (raw data) is generated. This image data (raw data) is stored in the raw data collection memory 8. The image data generation unit 4 generates ultrasonic image data from the image data (low data) output from the echo signal processing unit 3. This ultrasonic image data is stored in the image signal acquisition memory 5. The image data control unit 6 generates display image data using the ultrasound image data stored in the image signal collection memory 5. The display control unit 7 displays the display image data generated by the image data control unit 6 on the monitor 91.

Next, the timer display function in this apparatus will be described with reference to the timer display flowchart shown in FIG.
First, the control processing unit 10 determines a timer start condition in step S1. That is, the control processing unit 10 receives an operation on the operation panel 92 when the timer start condition is received, the interlocking display by the interlocking display unit 101, the display change by the display changing unit 102, the luminance value measurement by the luminance value measuring unit 103, the period setting unit It is determined whether it is one of the period setting by 104 and the continuous administration measurement start by the continuous administration measurement start unit 105.
As a result of the determination of the timer start condition, if the display is interlocking, the interlocking display unit 101 moves from step S2 to step S3, and starts calculation processing related to interlocking display, that is, the saving of the ultrasound image data in the image signal collection memory 5. The measurement of time is started in conjunction with, and the measured time is displayed on the monitor 91 together with the ultrasonic image data. Note that the interlocking display unit 101 may start measuring the time by the timer unit 108 when an instruction to administer the contrast medium is given to the switch of the operation panel 92.

Here, a flow showing the start of timer measurement in the interlocking display in the present apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
In this apparatus, a contrast harmonic method (CHI method) is used in which a contrast medium is administered to a subject such as a human body and the contrast medium is imaged with high sensitivity. In the CHI method, when imaging by the CHI method is turned on, after the mode transition, an ultrasonic beam is transmitted at a constant interval to be turned on, enabling manual operation, and a contrast agent is administered to the subject. As a result, an ultrasonic image of the subject to which the contrast agent is administered is displayed on the monitor 91 of the present apparatus. Note that the contrast effect of the contrast agent differs depending on the type. That is, the contrast agent differs in the temporal change of the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data. For example, the contrast agents Levovist and Sonazoid continue to be contrasted for a relatively long time. The contrast agents Definity, SonoVue, and Imagent decline after a high brightness point.

When an image storage switch on the operation panel 92 is pressed by an operator such as a doctor, the control processing unit 10 starts storing ultrasonic image data in the image signal collection memory 5.
At this time, the interlocking display unit 101 starts time measurement by the timer unit 108 from the start of storing the ultrasonic image data in the image signal collection memory 5. The interlocking display unit 101 starts time measurement in conjunction with the start of the storage of the ultrasound image data in the image signal acquisition memory 5 and displays the measured time on the monitor 91 together with the ultrasound image data. The measurement time T displayed on the monitor 91 is, for example, the same as the measurement time T shown in FIG.

  In addition, the control processing unit 10 sequentially reads out the ultrasonic image data stored in the image signal acquisition memory 5, creates a luminance curve from these ultrasonic image data in real time, and displays it on the monitor 91. FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the luminance curve H of the ultrasonic image data and the measurement time T which is a timer display when the CHI method is used. The relationship between the luminance curve H of the ultrasonic image data and the measurement time T, which is a timer display, is displayed on the monitor 91 by the control processing unit 10. The timer unit 108 starts measuring time in conjunction with the start of storage of the ultrasound image data in the image signal collection memory 5. For example, when the ultrasound image data finishes storing in the image signal collection memory 5, End measurement. For example, 09:55 is displayed as the measurement time T by the timer unit 108 from the start of the timer SA when the ultrasound image data is started to the end of storage of the ultrasound image data SE.

  As a result of the determination of the timer start condition (step S1), if the display is changed, the display changing unit 102 moves from step S4 to step S5, and during arithmetic processing related to the display change, that is, during time measurement by the timer unit 108 Change the measurement start time of the time. Normally, the timer unit 108 starts measuring time in conjunction with the start of storing the ultrasonic image data in the image signal collection memory 5.

  However, when the timer unit 108 does not start measuring time when the storage of the ultrasound image data in the image signal collection memory 5 is started as shown in FIG. 5, after starting the storage of the ultrasonic image data in 5, the time measurement by the timer unit 108 is started, and the measurement start time of the time is set as the time when the storage of the ultrasonic image data in the image signal collection memory 5 is started. Change to retroactively and start measuring time.

FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the luminance curve H of the ultrasonic image data and the measurement time T which is a timer display when the time measurement start time is changed retroactively to the time when the storage of the ultrasonic image data is started. The relationship between the luminance curve H of the ultrasonic image data and the measurement time T, which is a timer display, is displayed on the monitor 91 by the control processing unit 10. For example, 03:25 is displayed as the measurement time T by the timer unit 108 from the time SA when the ultrasound image data is started to the position U of the luminance curve H of the current ultrasound image data displayed in real time.
Note that the display change unit 102 is not limited to changing the time measurement start time retroactively to the time when the storage of the ultrasonic image data in the image signal collection memory 5 is started, but measures the time retroactively to any time. It is possible to change the start time.

  If the result of determination of the timer start condition (step S1) is luminance value measurement, the luminance value measurement unit 103 moves from step S6 to step S7, and the ultrasonic image data stored in the image signal acquisition memory 5 is stored. Time measurement starts in conjunction with the brightness value.

FIG. 7 shows an example in which time measurement by a plurality of timers is started in conjunction with a change in luminance value of ultrasonic image data. The time measurement by the plurality of timers is displayed on the monitor 91 by the control processing unit 10. The luminance value measurement unit 103 can set a plurality of time measurement start times, and can set, for example, four timers in the timer unit 108. As an example shown in FIG. 7, the first timer measures the total elapsed time T1 required at the time of diagnosis after administering the contrast medium to the subject, starts measuring time from the start of diagnosis, End time measurement when finished.
The second timer starts measuring time from the start of diagnosis, and measures an elapsed time T2 until administration of a contrast agent to the subject, that is, before the luminance value of the ultrasound image data starts to increase due to the contrast effect. To do.
The third timer starts measuring time from the start of the increase in the luminance value of the ultrasound image data due to the administration of the contrast agent, and the luminance value of the ultrasound image data is set in advance, for example, the luminance high point range. The elapsed time T3 until reaching R is measured. Note that when the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data falls within a preset high luminance range R, for example, an electrocardiogram of the subject is measured.
The fourth timer starts measuring time when the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data reaches a preset luminance high point range R, and the luminance high point of the ultrasonic image data is preset. Elapsed time T4 until the time when it is out of range R is measured.

The luminance curve H of the ultrasonic image data and the elapsed times T1 to T4 measured by the first to fourth timers are displayed on the monitor 91 by the control processing unit 10.
Each elapsed time measured by the first to fourth timers is not limited to each of the elapsed times T1 to T4, and may be arbitrarily changed. Also, the number of timers is not limited to four and can be set to an arbitrary number.

As a result of the determination of the timer start condition (step S1), if the period is set, the period setting unit 104 moves from step S8 to step S9, and sets a plurality of periods (phases) in different time zones. A measurement start time is set for each period.
FIG. 8 shows the start of measurement of each time in a plurality of periods “1” to “6” etc. in conjunction with the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data. The measurement of each time in the plurality of periods “1” to “6” and the like is displayed on the monitor 91 by the control processing unit 10. The period setting unit 104 can set the time measurement start time in a plurality of periods “1” to “6” and the like. In these periods “1” to “6”, for example, average values of luminance values of ultrasonic image data in a certain period (2 to 3 seconds, etc.) are sequentially obtained, and each period “1” to “6” is determined based on the average value of the luminance values. A starting time such as “6” may be set. Further, when setting the start time of each period “1” to “6”, the period setting unit 104 displays the display change unit when the original start time of each period “1” to “6” has passed. The time measurement may be started retroactively at the start of each of the original periods “1” to “6” in conjunction with 102. The period setting unit 104 can set, for example, four timers in the timer unit 108.

For example, the first timer measures the total elapsed time T1 required at the time of diagnosis by administering the contrast medium to the subject in the period “1” to “6”, and measures the time from the start of the diagnosis. And the time measurement is terminated at the end of the diagnosis.
The second timer measures the elapsed time in the period “1”, starts measuring time from the start of diagnosis, and controls the brightness of the ultrasonic image data when the contrast agent is administered to the subject, that is, due to the contrast effect. The elapsed time T2 until the value starts to rise is measured.
The third timer measures the elapsed time in the period “2”. The third timer starts measuring time from the start of the increase in the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data due to the administration of the contrast agent, and the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data. Is measured for an elapsed time T3 until reaching a preset brightness range, for example, the brightness high point range R.
The fourth timer measures the elapsed time in the period “3”, and starts measuring time when the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data reaches a preset luminance high point range R. The elapsed time T4 until the brightness value of the image data deviates from the preset brightness high point range R is measured.

As a result of the determination of the timer start condition (step S1), if continuous administration is performed, the continuous administration measurement start unit 105 performs each administration of these contrast agents every time the contrast agent is administered to the subject in a plurality of times. The measurement of each time is started in conjunction with.
FIG. 9 shows the start of measurement at each time when the same contrast agent is administered to the subject in a plurality of times. The measurement of each time when the same contrast agent is administered to the subject in a plurality of times is displayed on the monitor 91 by the control processing unit 10. In order to maintain the contrast effect, the contrast agent may be administered in a plurality of times every predetermined period. In other words, contrast agents include contrast agents Levovist, Sonazoid, which continue to be contrasted for a relatively long time, and contrast agents Definity, SonoVue, Imagent, etc., which decrease after a high brightness point. Currently, it is administered to the specimen.

  FIG. 9 shows an example in which the contrast agent is administered in three divided doses, for example, the luminance curve H1 of the ultrasound image data by the contrast agent administered at the first time and the ultrasound image data by the contrast agent administered at the second time. The brightness | luminance curve H2 and the brightness | luminance curve H3 of the ultrasonic image data by the contrast agent administered for the 3rd time are shown. These contrast agents are administered so that the luminance value of each ultrasonic image data continuously enters the luminance high point range R.

The continuous administration measurement starting unit 105 can set, for example, four timers in the timer unit 108.
For example, the first timer measures the total elapsed time T1 required at the time of diagnosis after administering the contrast medium to the subject, starts measuring time from the start of diagnosis, and sets the time at the end of diagnosis. End measurement.
The second timer starts measuring time in conjunction with the first administration of the contrast agent, and measures an elapsed time T10 until the time measurement is completed in conjunction with the second administration of the contrast agent.
The third timer starts measuring time in conjunction with the second administration of the contrast agent, and measures an elapsed time T11 until the time measurement ends in conjunction with the third administration of the contrast agent.
The fourth timer starts time measurement in conjunction with the third administration of the contrast agent, and measures an elapsed time T12 until the time measurement is completed at the end of the diagnosis.
Note that the luminance curves H1 to H3 of the ultrasound image data when the same contrast agent is administered to the subject divided into a plurality of actual times are continuously displayed on the monitor 91 as shown in FIG.

  In addition, the continuous administration measurement start unit 105 notifies the promotion of the next contrast agent administration before a predetermined period, for example, 20 seconds before the preset second and subsequent administrations of the contrast agent.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of notification of promotion of contrast medium administration. To notify the promotion of contrast medium administration, for example, a countdown timer displays the countdown KD of the time until the next administration on the monitor 91 and blinks the display of the countdown KD. The figure shows a countdown KD “00: 20 → 00: 19 → 00: 18 ... → 00: 00” on the monitor 91, for example, 20 seconds before the second administration of the contrast medium, and display of the countdown KD. Flashes. The countdown KD of the second contrast agent administration displays “00:00” because the first contrast agent administration has already been completed.

Next, in step S12, the control processing unit 10 determines whether or not to display the luminance value, which is the ultrasonic intensity by contrast medium administration, on the monitor 91 as the luminance curve H of the ultrasonic image data over time as a graph display condition. Judging.
If it is determined that the luminance curve H of the ultrasonic image data is displayed on the monitor 91 as a result of the determination, the control processing unit 10 determines, for example, the scale, timer start position, and luminance of the ultrasonic image data related to the graph display in step S13. The current position of the curve H, the current curve of the luminance curve H of the ultrasonic image data, the auxiliary line, and the like are drawn on the monitor 91.

Next, in step S14, the control processing unit 10 determines whether or not to draw a prediction curve that predicts a change in the luminance value of the ultrasound image data when the contrast agent is administered.
If it is determined that the prediction curve is drawn as a result of this determination, the prediction curve creating unit 106, in step S15, information on the contrast agent stored in the prediction curve database 11b, for example, data of characteristics of a plurality of contrast agents, these When the contrast agent is administered to the subject based on the contrast effect data by the contrast agent, the data of the characteristics of each part of the subject such as the human body, the disease state of the subject such as the human body, age, weight, blood volume, etc. The prediction curve is created by predicting the change in the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data, and the change in the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data due to the administration of the contrast agent is displayed on the monitor 91 together with the prediction curve.
Further, the prediction curve creation unit 106 changes the prediction curve E following the change in the luminance curve H of the ultrasound image data due to the administration of the contrast agent.

  FIG. 12 shows a display example of a prediction curve E and a luminance curve H of ultrasonic image data by administration of a contrast agent. The prediction curve creation unit 106 updates the luminance curve H of the ultrasonic image data in real time. The prediction curve creation unit 106 displays the current position of the luminance curve H of the ultrasound image data with the current position bar B. In addition, the prediction curve creation unit 106 updates the luminance curve H of the ultrasonic image data in real time and hides the prediction curve E before the current position bar B. At this time, the prediction curve creation unit 106 re-predicts and redraws the prediction curve E based on the state of change in the luminance curve H of the ultrasound image data. FIG. 13 shows a display example of a prediction curve E after a certain time has elapsed since the administration of the contrast medium and a luminance curve H of the ultrasound image data by the administration of the contrast medium.

When the luminance curve H and the prediction curve E of the ultrasonic image data updated in real time are significantly different from each other by a predetermined luminance value or more, the prediction curve creation unit 106 determines that the luminance curve H of the ultrasonic image data is the prediction curve E. Is displayed on the monitor 91.
Based on the prediction curve E, the contents of the contrast diagnosis to be started from now on may be determined in advance. In this case, the initial prediction curve E is not re-predicted and redrawn at any time. In the state where E remains, the re-predicted portion may be displayed as another prediction curve on the monitor 91 while being superimposed on the prediction curve E.

  Next, in step S16, the control processing unit 10 determines whether or not to draw a timer display that meets the timer display condition. If the timer display is drawn as a result of this determination, the control processing unit 10 displays the timer by the timer unit 108 in step S17.

  Next, in step S18, the control processing unit 10 determines whether or not to display the predicted time up to the specific luminance value on the monitor 91 in advance from the administration of the contrast agent based on the prediction curve E, that is, the specific luminance. It is determined whether or not the predicted time to the value is displayed as a countdown timer. If the countdown timer is displayed as a result of this determination, in step S19, the prior display unit 107 uses the countdown timer to display in advance the predicted time to the specific luminance value from before the contrast agent administration.

  For example, the first to third countdown timers T20 to T21 are displayed by the timer unit 108 as shown in FIG. The first countdown timer T20 counts down the predicted time from the time when the contrast medium is administered to the subject until the brightness value of the ultrasound image data increases. Here, the current position bar B is the ultrasound image data. “00:00” is displayed because it passes through the time point when the luminance value increases.

The second countdown timer T21 counts down the predicted time from the time when the contrast agent is administered to the subject until the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data reaches a preset luminance high point range R. Here, The predicted time “00:15” is displayed. This predicted time is the time from the position of the current position bar B to the time when the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data reaches the luminance high point range R.
The third countdown timer T22 counts down the predicted time from the time when the contrast medium is administered to the subject to the time when the luminance value of the ultrasound image data falls outside the preset luminance high point range R. Here, The predicted time “18:00” is displayed. This predicted time is the time from the position of the current position bar B to the time when the current position bar B is out of the high brightness point range R.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, time measurement is started by the timer unit 108 after the ultrasound image data is started to be stored in the image signal collection memory 5 or the like by the interlocking display unit 101, or an imaging to the subject is performed. Since the measurement of time is started in conjunction with the administration of the agent, for example, in order to observe the contrast effect, which is a change in luminance of the ultrasound image after the contrast agent is administered to the subject as shown in FIG. The elapsed time by the timer unit 108 in conjunction with the administration of the contrast agent to the subject can be displayed.

  Since the measurement start time by the timer unit 108 can be retroactively changed by the display changing unit 102, for example, when the storage of the ultrasonic image data in the image signal collecting memory 5 is started as shown in FIG. However, even if the time measurement is not started, the time measurement start time can be changed retroactively to the time when the storage of the ultrasonic image data in the image signal collection memory 5 is started.

  The luminance value measurement unit 103 can start measuring time in conjunction with the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the first timer measures the total elapsed time T1 required for the diagnosis by administering the contrast medium to the subject, and the second timer starts measuring the time from the start of the diagnosis. The elapsed time T2 until the luminance value of the ultrasound image data starts to increase due to the contrast effect is measured, and the time from the start of the increase in the luminance value of the ultrasound image data due to the administration of the contrast agent is measured by the third timer. Measurement is started and the elapsed time T3 until the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data reaches the luminance high point range R is measured. The luminance value of the ultrasonic image data reaches the luminance high point range R by the fourth timer. The measurement of time can be started from the time when the brightness is high, and the elapsed time T4 until the time when the brightness high point range R is departed can be measured. As a result, the total elapsed time T1 required at the time of diagnosis after administration of the contrast agent and the elapsed times T3 and T4 such as the elapsed time T2 until the luminance value of the ultrasound image data starts to increase visually are visually determined. This can be used effectively for diagnosis by the CHI method, adjustment of the image quality of the ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor 91, and the like.

  The period setting unit 104 sets time measurement start times in a plurality of periods (phases) each having a different time zone. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the contrast medium in the periods “1” to “6” is administered. The total elapsed time T1 required for each diagnosis is measured by the first timer, and the elapsed time T2 from the start of diagnosis in the period “1” to before the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data starts to rise is calculated as the second time. The time T3 measured from the start of the increase of the luminance value of the ultrasound image data by the administration of the contrast agent in the period “2” until reaching the luminance high point range R is measured by the third timer. The elapsed time T4 from when the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data at “3” reaches the luminance high point range R to when it exceeds the luminance high point range R can be measured by the fourth timer.

  Each time the contrast medium is administered to the subject divided into a plurality of times by the continuous administration measurement start unit 105, measurement of each time is started in conjunction with each administration of the contrast medium. For example, as shown in FIG. The first timer measures the total elapsed time T1 required at the time of diagnosis after administration of the contrast medium, the second timer measures the elapsed time T10 from the first to the second contrast medium administration, The elapsed time T11 from the second to the third contrast agent administration can be measured by the third timer, and the elapsed time T12 from the third contrast agent administration to the end of the diagnosis can be measured by the fourth timer.

Further, the next contrast agent administration is started by the continuous administration measurement start unit 105 in advance, and the next contrast agent administration is promoted for a predetermined period before, for example, 20 seconds before, for example, the countdown KD is displayed on the monitor 91. This can be done by displaying and flashing the display of the countdown KD.
Thereby, it is possible to administer the contrast agent in a plurality of times without depending on the sense of observing the luminance change on the ultrasonic image of an observer such as a doctor.

  A prediction curve E that predicts a change in the luminance value of the ultrasound image data when the contrast agent is administered to the subject based on information on the contrast agent or the like stored in the prediction curve database 11b by the prediction curve creation unit 106 is monitored. 91. Thereby, diagnosis can be performed in a period having a contrast effect.

  Since the pre-display unit 107 displays in advance the predicted time to a specific luminance value using a countdown timer from before the administration of the contrast agent, for example, as shown in FIG. The predicted time is counted down from the time of administration of the contrast agent until the brightness value of the ultrasound image data increases, and the brightness value of the ultrasound image data is determined from the time of administration of the contrast agent to the subject by the second countdown timer T21. The predicted time is counted down to the time when the brightness high point range R is reached, and the third countdown timer T22 is used until the brightness value of the ultrasound image data deviates from the brightness high point range R from when the contrast agent is administered to the subject. The estimated time can be counted down.

  Note that examples of the diagnosis target for the subject using the CHI method in the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus include a circulatory organ and an abdomen. As the circulatory organ, main clinical applications of contrast echocardiography using a contrast agent are, for example, contrasting of the cardiac cavity, identification of the left ventricular endocardial surface, enhancement of Doppler signals, and myocardial staining. As the abdomen, for example, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in liver tumors, knowledge of the presence or absence of vascular phase staining after hepatic artery occlusion (TAE) treatment, observation of organ perfusion, tumor blood flow and blood vessel construction Differential diagnosis.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  1: ultrasonic probe, 2: ultrasonic transmission / reception unit, 3: echo signal processing unit, 4: image data generation unit, 5: image signal collection memory, 6: image data control unit, 7: display control unit, 8 : Raw data collection memory, 9: User interface (UI), 91: Monitor, 92: Operation panel, 10: Control processing unit, 11: Storage unit, 11a: Image reproduction condition database, 11b: Expected curve database, 12: Heart Electrometer, 101: Interlocking display unit, 102: Display change unit, 103: Luminance value measurement unit, 104: Period setting unit, 105: Continuous administration measurement start unit, 106: Prediction curve creation unit, 107: Pre-display unit, 108 : Timer part.

Claims (15)

In an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus that transmits an ultrasonic beam from an ultrasonic probe to a subject, receives a reflected wave from the subject, and creates ultrasonic image data of the subject.
At least in conjunction with the administration of the contrast agent to the subject, time measurement is started, together with the ultrasound image data, an interlocking display unit for displaying the measured time;
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising: An operation unit for instructing at least the administration of the contrast agent;
A storage unit for storing the ultrasound image data of the subject from when the contrast agent was administered to the subject;
The interlocking display unit starts measuring the time when an instruction to administer the contrast agent is given to the operation unit or when the storage unit starts storing the ultrasound image data.
The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1.   The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display changing unit that allows a measurement start time of the time to be changed during the time measurement.   The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a luminance value measurement unit that starts measuring time in conjunction with a luminance value of the ultrasonic image data.   The luminance value measurement unit is configured to start measurement of a total time required for diagnosis after administering the contrast agent to the subject, at the time of administration of the contrast agent to the subject, and the ultrasonic wave by administration of the contrast agent. The measurement start time is set to at least one of a start of an increase in brightness value of image data or a time when the brightness value of the ultrasonic image data reaches a preset brightness range. Item 5. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to Item 4.   The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a period setting unit that sets a plurality of periods in different time zones, and sets the measurement start time of each of the periods.   The apparatus includes a continuous administration measurement start unit that starts measurement of each time in conjunction with each administration of the contrast medium every time the contrast medium is administered to the subject in a plurality of times. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to 1.   The said continuous administration measurement start part alert | reports the following acceleration | stimulation of the said contrast agent administration from before the predetermined period rather than the time of each administration of the said contrast agent after the 2nd time set beforehand. Ultrasound image diagnostic equipment.   A prediction curve is created by predicting a change in luminance value of the ultrasound image data when the contrast agent is administered to the subject based on information on the contrast agent, and administration of the contrast agent together with the prediction curve The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a prediction curve creation unit that displays a change in luminance value of the ultrasound image data due to the display on the display unit.   The ultrasonic image diagnosis apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the prediction curve creation unit changes the prediction curve following a change in luminance value of the ultrasonic image data due to administration of the contrast agent.   The said prediction curve preparation part displays the prediction time to a specific luminance value on the said display part based on the said prediction curve and the change of the luminance value of the said ultrasonic image data, The said display part is characterized by the above-mentioned. Ultrasound image diagnostic equipment.   The said prediction curve preparation part updates the change of the luminance value of the said ultrasonographic image data by administration of the said contrast agent, and the said prediction time to the said specific luminance value in real time, The said characteristic curve is characterized by the above-mentioned. Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging equipment.   The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a pre-display unit that displays the predicted time to the specific luminance value in advance from before administration of the contrast agent.   The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the advance display unit includes a countdown timer that displays the predicted time in advance. Ultrasonic image timer display program for transmitting an ultrasonic beam from an ultrasonic probe to a subject, receiving a reflected wave from the subject, and creating a luminance curve of the ultrasonic image data of the subject Because
On the computer,
An interlocking display function for starting time measurement in conjunction with administration of a contrast agent to at least the subject, displaying the luminance curve of the ultrasound image data, and displaying the measured time on a display unit; ,
A display change function that allows the measurement start time of the time to be changed during the time measurement,
A luminance value measurement function for starting time measurement in conjunction with the luminance value of the ultrasonic image data;
A period setting function for setting a plurality of periods each having a different time zone, and setting a measurement start time of the time in each period,
Each time the contrast agent is administered to the subject divided into a plurality of times, a continuous administration measurement start function that starts measuring each time in conjunction with each administration of these contrast agents;
A prediction curve is created by predicting a change in luminance value of the ultrasound image data when the contrast agent is administered to the subject based on information on the contrast agent, and administration of the contrast agent together with the prediction curve A prediction curve creating function for displaying a change in luminance value of the ultrasonic image data by the display unit;
A pre-display function for displaying the predicted time to the specific brightness value in advance from before administration of the contrast agent;
An ultrasonic image timer display program for realizing at least one of the functions.

Images