3D multi-parametric ultrasound imaging

A method for use with ultrasound imaging, comprising:

• positioning an ultrasound probe in a positioning device proximate to patient tissue, wherein said positioning device limits movement of an acquisition portion of said ultrasound probe to a single axis of movement;
• first acquiring from the ultrasound probe, a first set of images of the patient tissue as the acquisition portion of the ultrasound probe moves over said single axis a first time, wherein said first set of images are acquired using a first ultrasound imaging modality;
• second acquiring, from the ultrasound probe, a second set of images of the patient tissue as the acquisition portion of the ultrasound probe moves over said single axis a second time, wherein said second set of images are acquired using a second ultrasound imaging modality;
• third acquiring, from the ultrasound probe, a third set of images of the patient tissue as the acquisition portion of the ultrasound probe moves over said single axis a third time, wherein said third set of images are acquired using a third ultrasound imaging modality;
• registering said first, second and third sets of ultrasound images acquired using said first second and third ultrasound imaging modalities into a common frame of reference to generate a multi-parametric ultrasound (mpUS) image of the patient tissue;
• applying at least a first classifier to at least a portion of said mpUS image;
• and
• identify one or more regions of interest by identifying one or more first areas, one or more second areas and one or more third areas of said mpUS image above or below a predetermined first modality threshold, above or below a predetermined second modality threshold, and above or below a predetermined third modality threshold, respectively.