Michael
Neumaier1, Elmar Schuck2, Thomas Kaulisch1,
Heiko G. Niessen1, Dieter Klatt3, Ingolf Sack3,
Juergen Braun4, Detlef Stiller1
1In-Vivo Imaging Unit, Dept. of Drug Discovery
Support, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, BW,
Germany; 2Precision Mechanics, Dept. of Site Operations,
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, BW, Germany; 3Dept.
of Radiology, Charit - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany; 4Dept.
of Medical Informatics, Charit - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
MR
elastography (MRE) is a powerful tool for the non-invasive assessment of
liver diseases. It requires the reliable delivery of shear waves in the acoustic
frequency range between 25 and 1000 Hz. We present a novel concept of motion
generation suitable for MRE of small animals based on a piezoelectric wave
generator and a hydraulic transmission system. The new system provides
excellent wave penetration of rat liver in the desired frequency range and
yields reproducible and consistent results.