Linear and nonlinear elasticity imaging of soft tissue in vivo: demonstration of feasibility

Phys Med Biol. 2009 Mar 7;54(5):1191-207. doi: 10.1088/0031-9155/54/5/006. Epub 2009 Jan 30.

Abstract

We establish the feasibility of imaging the linear and nonlinear elastic properties of soft tissue using ultrasound. We report results for breast tissue where it is conjectured that these properties may be used to discern malignant tumors from benign tumors. We consider and compare three different quantities that describe nonlinear behavior, including the variation of strain distribution with overall strain, the variation of the secant modulus with overall applied strain and finally the distribution of the nonlinear parameter in a fully nonlinear hyperelastic model of the breast tissue.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Breast / chemistry*
  • Elasticity Imaging Techniques
  • Elasticity*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Nonlinear Dynamics*
  • Ultrasonography, Mammary / methods*