In vivo mechanical anisotropy assessment in renal parenchyma using ARFI peak displacement

Renal parenchyma is strongly anisotropic; mechanical properties differ along versus across nephron alignment. In this work, the feasibility of interrogating such directional differences in mechanical property using ARFI is investigated. We hypothesize that: 1) the ratio of ARFI peak displacements (PDs) achieved with the long axis of an asymmetrical ARF PSF oriented along versus across nephron alignment reflects the mechanical degree of anisotropy (DoA); and 2) directional differences in parenchymal mechanical property are detected when using an asymmetrical ARF PSF but obviated when using a symmetrical ARF PSF.