State of the art methods for estimating backscatter coefficients

Ultrasound, which is routinely used for diagnostic imaging applications, is mainly qualitative. However, novel quantitative ultrasound techniques are being developed for diagnosing disease, classifying tissue, and assessing and monitoring the application of therapy. Ultrasound is a propagating wave that interacts with the medium as a function of the spatially-dependent mechanical properties of the medium. By analyzing the backscattered wave, various properties of the propagating media can be inferred. The backscatter coefficient, which is a fundamental material property, can be estimated from backscattered ultrasound signals and can be further parameterized for quantifying tissue properties and classifying disease. In this chapter, the history of estimating backscatter coefficients will be explored and different methods and their underlying assumptions for estimating the backscatter coefficient will be compared.