Method for displaying a relationship of a measurement in a medical image

Abstract

The embodiments described herein relate to a method and system for simultaneously displaying relationships of measurements of features associated with a medical image. In one embodiment, a plurality of measurements of features associated with a medical image are provided. Each of the plurality of measurements corresponds to a respective measurement type. Relationships are created between the measurements and references specific to the measurement types, and at least two of the created relationships are simultaneously displayed in a graphical display format. Examples using fetal growth data and time intensity curves are disclosed. Other embodiments are provided, and each of the embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another.

1 - 42 . (canceled) 
   
   
       43 . A method for displaying an ultrasound contrast time intensity curve, the method comprising:
 (a) displaying a first curve representing an expected ultrasound contrast time intensity curve;   (b) displaying second and third curves above and below the first curve, respectively, the second and third curves representing a statistical variation of the expected ultrasound contrast time intensity curve; and   (c) displaying an ultrasound contrast time intensity curve of a study;   wherein the ultrasound contrast time intensity curve and the first, second, and third curves are displayed on a single graph.   
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 43  further comprising generating the ultrasound contrast time intensity curve. 
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 43  further comprising:
 injecting a contrast agent into a body;   applying an ultrasonic pulse to burst bubbles of which the contrast agent is comprised;   imaging a region in the body before and after the application of the ultrasonic pulse; and   determining a speed at which contrast agent fills the region.   
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 43  wherein the study comprises a cardiac contrast study. 
   
   
       47 . The method of  claim 43  wherein the ultrasound contrast time intensity curve represents intensity as a function of time of contrast agents. 
   
   
       48 . The method of  claim 43  further comprising:
 measuring arrival time as a function of the ultrasound contrast time intensity curve.   
   
   
       49 . The method of  claim 43  further comprising:
 measuring time to peak as a function of the ultrasound contrast time intensity curve.   
   
   
       50 . The method of  claim 43  further comprising:
 measuring half-time of wash-in as a function of the ultrasound contrast time intensity curve.   
   
   
       51 . The method of  claim 43  further comprising:
 measuring half-time of wash-out as a function of the ultrasound contrast time intensity curve.   
   
   
       52 . The method of  claim 43  wherein the ultrasound contrast time intensity curve is derived from raw imaging data. 
   
   
       53 . The method of  claim 43  wherein the statistical variation comprises deviation from a normal represented by the first curve. 
   
   
       54 . The method of  claim 43  wherein (a), (b), and (c) are performed on a medical diagnostic imaging system. 
   
   
       55 . The method of  claim 43  wherein (a), (b), and (c) are performed on an image review system. 
   
   
       56 . The method of  claim 43  wherein the ultrasound contrast time intensity curve is displayed in response to user selection of one of a plurality of simultaneously displayed normalized measurements.