Young's modulus measurements of soft tissues with application to elasticity imaging

Ultrasound elasticity imaging is a promising method that may eventually allow early detection of many tissue pathologies. However, before elasticity imaging can be applied to its numerous potential clinical applications, the quantitative accuracy of tissue elasticity measurements must be established. Simple 1-D ultrasound elasticity measurements were performed on muscle and liver and compared with independent and established mechanical measurements to investigate both the accuracy and consistency of ultrasound elasticity measurements. In addition, some interesting properties of soft tissue and aspects of the measurement process which should be considered in elasticity measurements are discussed.