Early detection of renal pathology may be possible with elasticity ima
ging, This hypothesis was experimentally tested by quantitatively imag
ing internal mechanical strain due to surface deformations in an in vi
tro animal model of nephritis, Preliminary data support the hypothesis
that kidney elasticity changes with renal damage and concomitant scar
ring before problems are detectable by traditional diagnostic techniqu
es such as laboratory measurements of renal Function.