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 ultrasound for grand 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.