Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and method for distinguishing a low signal/noise area in an ultrasound image

A method, comprising:

• determining a low signal noise (S/N) area in a predetermined area included in a scan area by comparing a pixel intensity of an image generated based on a first echo signal, which was acquired by transmitting and receiving a first ultrasound wave in the scan area, with a pixel intensity of a noise image generated based on a noise signal;
• generating a color image showing a stiffness or elasticity within the predetermined area, based on an analysis result of a second echo signal that was acquired by transmitting and receiving a second ultrasound wave in the scan area;
• generating a superposed image by superposing the color image on the predetermined area in the image generated based on the first echo signal;
• and
• causing a display to display the superposed image, and further display a position of the determined low S/N area in the superposed image so as to be distinguishable from a region other than the determined low S/N area.

An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, comprising:

• processing circuitry configured to
• determine a low signal/noise (S/N) area in a predetermined area included in a scan area by comparing a pixel intensity of an image generated based on a first echo signal, which was acquired by transmitting and receiving a first ultrasound wave in the scan area, with a pixel intensity of a noise image generated based on a noise signal;
• generate a color image showing attenuation within the predetermined area, based on an analysis result of a second echo signal that was acquired by transmitting and receiving a second ultrasound wave in the scan area;
• generate a superposed image by superposing the color image on the predetermined area in the image generated based on the first echo signal;
• and
• cause a display to display the superposed image, and further display a position of the determined low S/N area in the superposed image so as to be distinguishable from a region other than the determined low S/N area.

An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, comprising:

• processing circuitry configured to
• determine a low signal/noise (S/N) area in a predetermined area included in a scan area based on a pixel intensity of an image generated based on a first echo signal;
• generate a color image showing a stiffness or elasticity within the predetermined area, based on an analysis result of a second echo signal that was acquired by transmitting and receiving a second ultrasound wave in the scan area;
• generate a display image including the color image and the image generated based on the first echo signal, the color image being located in the predetermined area in the image generated based on the first echo signal;
• and
• cause a display to display the display image, and further display a position of the determined low S/N area in the display image so as to be distinguishable from a region other than the determined low S/N area.