Three-Dimensional Shear Wave Elastography Using a 2D Row Column Addressing (RCA) Array
Zhijie Dong,
Jihun Kim,
Chengwu Huang,
Matthew R. Lowerison,
U-Wai Lok,
Shigao Chen,
Pengfei Song
Affiliations
Zhijie Dong
Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
Jihun Kim
Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Division of ICT Convergence Engineering/Major in Electronic Engineering, Kangnam University, Republic of Korea
Chengwu Huang
Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
Matthew R. Lowerison
Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
U-Wai Lok
Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
Shigao Chen
Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
Pengfei Song
Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
Objective. To develop a 3D shear wave elastography (SWE) technique using a 2D row column addressing (RCA) array, with either external vibration or acoustic radiation force (ARF) as the shear wave source. Impact Statement. The proposed method paves the way for clinical translation of 3D SWE based on the 2D RCA, providing a low-cost and high volume rate solution that is compatible with existing clinical systems. Introduction. SWE is an established ultrasound imaging modality that provides a direct and quantitative assessment of tissue stiffness, which is significant for a wide range of clinical applications including cancer and liver fibrosis. SWE requires high frame rate imaging for robust shear wave tracking. Due to the technical challenges associated with high volume rate imaging in 3D, current SWE techniques are typically confined to 2D. Advancing SWE from 2D to 3D is significant because of the heterogeneous nature of tissue, which demands 3D imaging for accurate and comprehensive evaluation. Methods. A 3D SWE method using a RCA array was developed with a volume rate up to 2000 Hz. The performance of the proposed method was systematically evaluated on tissue-mimicking elasticity phantoms and in an in vivo case study. Results. 3D shear wave motion induced by either external vibration or ARF was successfully detected with the proposed method. Robust 3D shear wave speed maps were reconstructed for phantoms and in vivo. Conclusion. The high volume rate 3D imaging provided by the 2D RCA array provides a robust and practical solution for 3D SWE with a clear pathway for future clinical translation.
