Objective To explore the value of acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI) technique in the evaluation of the change of kidney in rabbits with hypothermia and rewarming. Methods Sixteen New Zealand rabbits were placed in -25 ℃ environment for 8 hours, then rewarmed in 23℃ environment. Ultrasonic examinations were performed at room temperature in the time of T0and the time of T1-T8. The right kidney were evaluated by two-dimensional ultrasound and ARFI technique. Results No significant changes were found in the echo and volume of kidney from T1to T8. SWV of kidney descended greatly from T0to T1and raised from T2to T3gradually, then it descended from T3to T8gradually. Significant difference of SWV of kidney were found from T1to T8compared with that at T0(P < 0.05). Conclusions ARFI Technique can estimate the change of kidney in rabbits with hypothermia and rewarming. It can provide more useful information for clinical diagnosis.