Three-Dimensional Shear Wave Elastography of Skeletal Muscle: Preliminary Study

Area of Science:

• Musculoskeletal imaging
• Medical Ultrasound
• Biomechanical properties

Background:

• Two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D SWE) is established for measuring elasticity in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• Three-dimensional SWE (3D SWE) has been utilized for breast cancer detection but not yet applied to the musculoskeletal system.
• Investigating the potential of 3D SWE for in vivo musculoskeletal applications is crucial for advancing imaging capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of three-dimensional shear wave elastography (3D SWE) for assessing skeletal muscle elasticity in vivo.
• To compare the measurements obtained by 3D SWE with those from conventional two-dimensional SWE (2D SWE) in healthy volunteers.

Main Methods:

• Twenty healthy volunteers underwent both 2D SWE and 3D SWE scans of the flexor carpi radialis muscle in a relaxed state.
• Measurements of Young's modulus were performed using both longitudinal and transverse scanning orientations.
• Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA, post hoc tests, paired t-tests, and Bland-Altman plots to compare data.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in Young's modulus were found between 3D SWE and 2D SWE in either sagittal or transverse planes.
• 3D SWE demonstrated consistent Young's modulus values across sagittal, transverse, and coronal planes during both longitudinal and transverse scanning.
• Significant differences were observed in Young's modulus between longitudinal and transverse scanning within each plane (P < .001).

Conclusions:

• Both 2D SWE and 3D SWE are suitable for clinical musculoskeletal applications, with technique choice potentially depending on examiner preference.
• 3D SWE offers superior multiplanar and multislice visualization, providing a more comprehensive understanding of muscle tissue spatial characteristics.
• 3D SWE represents a promising new modality for complete visualization and assessment of the musculoskeletal system.