Renal ultrasound using parametric imaging techniques to detect changes in microstructure and function.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Signal processing techniques have been used to generate parametric ultrasound images that describe properties of tissue microstructure.

METHODS

Images of the average scatterer size (D) and integrated backscatter coefficient (IBC) for normal dog kidneys were examined.

RESULTS

With parametric ultrasound the authors identified sources of cortical backscatter and observed microanatomical changes corresponding to ischemia. In particular, scatterer size images acquired in vitro and in vivo show it is possible to rapidly assess changes and differences in the average glomerular diameter and the average arteriolar cross-sectional diameter.

CONCLUSIONS

A more direct interpretation of sonographic image data is possible with this new type of imaging. Parametric imaging may have a diagnostic role as a means to differentiate among conditions producing increased cortical echogenicity and to detect important structural indicators such as glomerular hypertrophy.