Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging in paediatric patients: normal liver values
Hugo Matos1, Ana Trindade, Maria J Noruegas
1*Pediatric Hospital, Medical Imaging Department and Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Coimbra, Coimbra †Science and Technology Faculty, University Nova of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
Normal liver shear wave velocities (SWV) in children were established using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging. Age and measurement location significantly impact ARFI values in pediatric liver assessment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Hepatology
Background:
- Establishing normal reference values for liver shear wave velocities (SWV) in pediatric populations is crucial for accurate non-invasive liver assessment.
- Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) elastography is a valuable tool for evaluating liver stiffness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal liver SWV values in healthy children.
- To investigate the influence of age, sex, measurement approach, depth, and liver lobe on SWV measurements.
Main Methods:
- 150 healthy children (2 months-17 years) underwent ARFI elastography.
- Measurements were stratified by age groups (0-5, 6-11, 12-17 years), sex, liver lobe (right/left), approach (intercostal/subcostal), and depth.
- Comparative analyses were performed to identify influencing factors.
Main Results:
- Mean SWV in the right liver lobe was 1.07 ± 0.10 m/s.
- SWV was significantly higher in the left lobe (1.21 ± 0.16 m/s) compared to the right.
- SWV values decreased with increasing measurement depth and were significantly different in children under 6 years old.
Conclusions:
- ARFI liver elastography in children is influenced by age, measurement depth, and liver lobe.
- A mean SWV of 1.07 ± 0.10 m/s was established for the pediatric population, with higher values in younger children.
- Optimal ARFI measurements were achieved in the right liver lobe at depths less than 5-6 cm.
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