Assessment of super-resolution ultrasound imaging using the erythrocytes through comparison with micro-CT

This study validates super-resolution ultrasound imaging using erythrocytes (SURE) against state-of-the-art micro-CT data of rat kidneys. By comparing SURE images and micro-CT scans at a 5 μm voxel size, the research confirms SURE's ability to depict blood vessels as small as 25 μm in diameter. The study employs the SURE-Hankel method for detailed analysis, revealing consistent visualization of cortical radial vessels. Discrepancies between the images suggest the need for further investigation into how vessel depiction quality varies with position in the ultrasound focus plane.