Effects of Anisotropy in the Ultrasonic Attenuation of Tissue on Computed Tomography

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Abstract
We examine the consequences of anisotropy in the ultrasonic attenuation on computed tomography. A phenomenological model for anisotropy in the ultrasonic attenuation of soft, inhomogeneous, tissue-like media is presented. Based upon the model, the effects of anisotropy on transmission tomography are investigated analytically and by computer simulation for simple geometries. Sources of apparent anisotropy in ultrasonic measurements made on intrinsically isotropic media are also discussed. Results of simulations are compared with tomograms of tissue studied in vitro. In particular, reconstruction of a simulated anisotropic heart showed good agreement with the reconstruction of an actual heart.