Super-Resolution Imaging of Urethral Vasculature in Female Pigs:
Validation of Clinical Feasibility and Accuracy
Abstract
The efficacy and reliability of super-resolution (SR) imaging for
evaluating urethral vasculature (UV) in females remains uncertain. This
study evaluates the Super Resolution for Greater Accuracy and Resolution
(SUGAR) method, an SR modality, for visualizing UV in female pigs within
clinical ultrasound settings, aiming to establish its clinical
feasibility and accuracy for potential human application. Female pigs
(40-45 kg) were used to investigate UV blood flow dynamics, with data
collected via a handheld ultrasound probe at 100 fps. The images were
processed using SUGAR to achieve a resolution of 30 μm and validated
against computed tomography angiography (CTA) and histopathological
analyses. SUGAR demonstrated superior capability in visualizing urethral
blood flow compared to CTA, allowing for detailed multiparametric
analysis of UV, including fractal dimension, vessel density, tortuosity,
diameter, and blood flow velocity. Strong correlations between SUGAR
imaging and histopathological findings underscore its potential clinical
applicability for diagnosing and managing urological conditions in
humans.