ARFI elastography imaging
Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography or ARFI elastography sends a “push pulse” through tissue to displace the tissue. The tissue displacement is monitored to show relative stiffness. The ARFI push pulse is not dependent on the user and provides reproducible data as well as a reliable image of relative tissue stiffness.
Shear wave-based elastography
When an ARFI push pulse is sent through tissue, the pulse generates lateral shear waves in the tissue. The speed of the shear waves varies depending on tissue stiffness and can be measured as part of a complementary elastography technique. Together, ARFI and shear wave detection offer precise and reproducible quantification as well as visualization of tissue stiffness.
Transient elastography
So-called “transient” elastography uses a mechanical or vibrating punch-like motion to generate shear waves. Transient elastography, like ARFI elastography, is not dependent on the user to provide compression and provides reproducible data. However, it is currently specialized for measuring the stiffness of liver tissues and not for imaging.
