Related Experiment Videos
Non-invasive evaluation of stable renal allograft function using point shear-wave elastography
Bom Jun Kim1, Chan Kyo Kim1,2, Jung Jae Park3
11 Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
The British Journal of Radiology
|October 13, 2017
Summary
Point shear-wave elastography (SWE) can distinguish subclinical rejection (SCR) in stable renal allografts. This non-invasive method shows higher tissue elasticity in patients with SCR, aiding in functional assessment.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Radiology
- Transplant Surgery
Background:
- Protocol biopsies are standard for monitoring renal allografts.
- Non-invasive methods are needed to assess allograft health and detect subclinical rejection.
- Point shear-wave elastography (SWE) is an emerging ultrasound technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of point SWE for assessing stable renal allografts.
- To determine if point SWE can differentiate between subclinical rejection (SCR) and non-SCR.
- To explore the relationship between SWE measurements and renal allograft function.
Main Methods:
- 95 patients with stable renal allografts underwent point SWE and ultrasound before protocol biopsy.
- Patients were classified into SCR and non-SCR groups based on biopsy results.
- Cortical tissue elasticity was measured using point SWE (in kPa).
Main Results:
- Subclinical rejection (SCR) was confirmed in 34 patients.
- Tissue elasticity was significantly higher in the SCR group (31.0 kPa) compared to the non-SCR group (24.5 kPa).
- Tissue elasticity showed a moderate negative correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
Conclusions:
- Point SWE is a feasible non-invasive tool to distinguish SCR in stable renal allografts.
- SWE measurements may reflect the functional status of renal allografts.
- Higher tissue elasticity on point SWE is associated with subclinical rejection.