Comparison Between Various Color Spectra and Conventional Grayscale Imaging for Detection of Parenchymal Liver Lesions With B‐Mode Sonography

Objectives The electronic colorization of grayscale B‐mode sonograms using various color schemes aims to enhance the adaptability and practicability of B‐mode sonography in daylight conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic effectiveness and importance of colorized B‐mode sonography. Methods Fifty‐three video sequences of sonographic examinations of the liver were digitized and subsequently colorized in 2 different color combinations (yellow‐brown and blue‐white). The set of 53 images consisted of 33 with isoechoic masses, 8 with obvious lesions of the liver (hypoechoic or hyperechoic), and 12 with inconspicuous reference images of the liver. The video sequences were combined in a random order and edited into half‐hour video clips. Results Isoechoic liver lesions were successfully detected in 58% of the yellow‐brown video sequences and in 57% of the grayscale video sequences ( P = .74, not significant). Fifty percent of the isoechoic liver lesions were successfully detected in the blue‐white video sequences, as opposed to a 55% detection rate in the corresponding grayscale video sequences ( P = .11, not significant). In 2 subgroups, significantly more liver lesions were detected with grayscale sonography compared to blue‐white sonography. Conclusions Yellow‐brown–colorized B‐mode sonography appears to be similarly effective for detection of isoechoic parenchymal liver lesions as traditional grayscale sonography. Blue‐white colorization in B‐mode sonography is probably not as effective as grayscale sonography, although a statistically significant disadvantage was shown only in the subgroup of hyperechoic liver lesions.