Speckle noise is an undesirable artifact that masks pathology. It could be reduced using a phase insensitive technique, or a way to cancel the undesirable linear-phase representation. You could also consider adding a fuzzy logic algorithm. Be aware that if you do that, you are changing the image to meet your needs. The hardware requirements are difficult to meet now but if you use fuzzy logic algorithms, you could get outstanding results.
Speckle phenomena are common when scanning fat patients.
Many scanners offer ways to somehow overcome this effect in a limited approach. Of course, digital imaging is a lot better. I have not heard about it. It depends of the factors included in the survey. Sonography is a highly operator dependable procedure and results can vary much.