MEASUREMENT OF THE SHEAR MODULUS OF TISSUE-LIKE MATERIALS USING MAGNETIC RESONANCE ELASTOGRAPHY

摘要

We developed a technology to measure the shear modulus of tissue-like materials using Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging. In this technique, called MR elastography or MRE, the sample is vibrated at 100-300 Hz while MR images are made. The shear wave generated by the vibration will propagate into the material at a speed proportional to the square root of the shear modulus. We compared the shear modulus of gel samples measured in this way with the modulus derived from a static compression test and assuming the material is linearly elastic. The results show good agreement of the two methods provided the shear modulus of the material is below approximately 10 kPa. Differences in the two measurements are explainable by differences in the compression rate of the two techniques.