# Shear Wave Reciprocity for Breast Imaging

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · 2024 · $231,000

## Abstract

Abstract:
We propose a new ultrasound image formation method, which we call shear-wave reciprocity imaging (SRI), to
produce images based on the sound speed and attenuation of tissue. These acoustic properties carry
important diagnostic information but are not revealed in conventional B-mode images except as artifacts. For
example, in breast imaging the “posterior features” (shadowing/enhancement) BiRADS descriptor depends on
these properties. In contrast to conventional B-mode imaging that produces speckle images of variations in
tissue acoustic impedance, we propose SRI as a method for speckle-free imaging of an attenuation/sound
speed parameter. SRI images are complementary to both B-mode and elastography images yet are produced
using the same backscatter imaging geometry as conventional ultrasound. SRI relies on the principle of
mechanical reciprocity to measure local variations in acoustic radiation force, which relate to attenuation and
sound speed. While using acoustic radiation force impulses similar to ARFI imaging, SRI is designed to be
insensitive to elastic properties and to specifically image the attenuation/sound speed parameter. The aims of
this project are to implement SRI on a linear-array imaging system, characterize its sensitivity and resolution
through in vivo measurements prior to biopsy, and validate SRI in ex vivo breast tissue from mastectomy. We
expect that the additional information provided by SRI will ultimately improve lesion categorization and reduce
the number of biopsies required by replacing qualitative estimates of lesion attenuation from B-mode
shadowing with parametric acoustic images.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10884333
- **Project number:** 5R21EB034769-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Stephen A McAleavey
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $231,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-07-07 → 2026-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10884333

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10884333, Shear Wave Reciprocity for Breast Imaging (5R21EB034769-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10884333. Licensed CC0.

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