Quantitative analysis of the computational, data, and image characteristics/complexity of MRI vs 3D ultrasound

3D ultrasound tomography is now deployed in multiple breast clinics in 5 countries. The results here and in development show image quality comparable to MRI, but it is also quantitative. This never before published work quantifies the exact ratio of the data contribution to a single voxel and the relative computational complexity in the 3D ultrasound case vs MRI. Even with the newer model based methods of MRI reconstruction the data acquisition (DA) is such that there are 5+ orders of magnitude less data contributing to a voxel for MRI than for quantitative 3D ultrasound due to the 3D nature of the acoustic field. However, this also requires 8+ orders of magnitude more calculations than MRI and the solution to this problem is reviewed. This explains the quantitative accuracy, high resolution and remarkable capabilities of 3D ultrasound in the presence of bone and air. Images from orthopedics, breast and whole body imaging indicate image quality. Ewald circle analysis indicates theoretical resolution and is compared with measured data. The observed quantitative accuracy, high resolution and repeatability even in the presence of bone and air can be partially explained in this way.