| Introduction: Color Doppler images are frequently saved in B/W media (film, thermal paper, etc.). This inadvertently results in the loss of diagnostic information, as the shades of gray representing the original color display blend in with the true grayscale present in the image. The following images demonstrate a simple technique, which allows more accurate representation of color on a B/W image. |
Description: The following images demonstrate Arcuate & Radial uterine vessels by Color Doppler and a B/W version of the same image. By using the "slow flow tag" and a color map that makes the tag white, the very slowest flow at the edges of vessels are given a highly contrasting white that outlines the vessel. This B/W technique is a more effective way to record color on B/W media. The technique was published as a Technical Note (DuBose, Porter, Hill, et al; Black & White Color Doppler Sonography. AJR 1990, 155:199) and (DuBose, FETAL SONOGRAPHY, W. B. Saunders, 1996, p. 397-398). |
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| I still use the technique, but it has not caught on widely. Perhaps some day manufacturers will give us more than one tag to outline flow in different directions... perhaps little arrows in the direction of flow, as in an M.C. Escher drawing. See DuBose FETAL SONOGRAPHY, W. B. Saunders Co., p. 348 & 397-398 for more discussion of this concept. |
 Terry J. DuBose Chairman OBGYN.net Ultrasound University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Arkansas, USA |
