Quantitative Sonoelastographic Assessment of the Normal Uterus Using Shear Wave Elastography: An Initial Experience

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic imaging
• Biomedical engineering
• Ultrasound technology

Background:

• Sonoelastography, specifically shear wave elastography (SWE), is an emerging ultrasound technique.
• Assessing tissue elasticity can aid in differentiating normal from diseased states in gynecologic organs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the sonoelastographic properties of the normal endometrium, myometrium, and cervix.
• To evaluate the influence of age and menstrual cycle phase on these elasticity measurements.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 56 women undergoing transvaginal ultrasound with B-mode imaging and SWE.
• Measurement of elasticity (in kilopascals) for the endometrium, myometrium, and cervix.
• Analysis of elasticity variability across different menstrual phases and age groups.

Main Results:

• Mean elasticity values were: endometrium 25.54 ± 8.56 kPa, myometrium 40.24 ± 8.59 kPa, and cervix 18.90 ± 4.22 kPa.
• The endometrial-to-myometrial elasticity ratio was 0.65 ± 0.22.
• No significant differences in endometrial elasticity were found across menstrual phases (P = .176) or age groups (P = .376).
• No significant difference in cervical elasticity was observed with increasing age (P = .192).

Conclusions:

• Shear wave elastography shows potential as a complementary tool to ultrasound for uterine evaluation.
• The established normal elasticity data may assist in the diagnosis of various uterine pathologies.