Check all data sets 
The data types are selected to best suit a dataframe or SQL database for analysis.
| Field name | Recommended type | Description | Sample values |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gender | Categorical / String | The biological sex of the patient. | Male, Female |
| Age | String (Mixed) | The age of the patient at the time of the study. Note: Requires cleaning (see Data Fields). |
025Y, 035Y |
| Modality | String | The imaging method used. All entries are US (Ultrasound). | US |
| Description | String | Study type and anatomical region. | Abdomen Complete, OB Ultrasound, Carotid Doppler |
| Size_raw | String | The file size as displayed in the UI. | 8.5 MB, 12.3 MB |
| Size_bytes | Float / Int | (Derived) The file size converted to a standard numerical unit for analysis. | 8500000, 12300000 |
Ultrasound transducers emit high-frequency sound waves (2-18 MHz depending on application) that penetrate tissues and reflect back at interfaces between different tissue densities. The time delay and intensity of returning echoes are processed to create real-time images. Higher frequencies provide better resolution but limited penetration; lower frequencies penetrate deeper with reduced resolution.
Ultrasound provides real-time video capture (15-60 frames per second), enabling assessment of organ motion, blood flow, fetal movement, and cardiac function. Cine loops can be recorded and reviewed frame-by-frame. This dynamic capability is unique among cross-sectional imaging modalities.
Color Doppler and spectral Doppler modes assess blood flow direction and velocity using the Doppler effect. Color Doppler overlays flow information on grayscale anatomy (red/blue indicating direction). Pulsed-wave Doppler provides quantitative velocity measurements at specific locations. Power Doppler shows flow presence without directional information, more sensitive for small vessels.
Operator-dependent technique significantly affects image quality. Transducer selection (frequency, footprint), patient positioning, acoustic windows, gain settings, and focal zone placement all impact diagnostic quality. Body habitus, bowel gas, and bone limit visualization in some patients. Harmonic imaging improves contrast resolution.
No ionizing radiation makes ultrasound ideal for pediatric imaging, obstetrics, and repeated examinations. Portable systems enable bedside point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). Lower cost than CT/MRI improves accessibility. Real-time guidance for procedures (biopsies, drain placement, vascular access).
Obstetric imaging (fetal anatomy, growth assessment), abdominal organs (liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas), vascular (carotid stenosis, DVT screening, aortic aneurysm), cardiac (ejection fraction, valve function), thyroid/breast nodules, musculoskeletal (rotator cuff, tendon tears), and procedural guidance.