Shear-wave elastography of the liver in a healthy pediatric population
Hanning Yang1, Yue Sun1, Yueyue Tang1
1Department of Ultrasound, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, PR China.
Insights
Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a feasible method to measure normal liver stiffness in children. This study established a normal range of liver elastic modulus values for school-age children, aiding disease evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric imaging
- Hepatology
- Biomechanical engineering
Background:
- Liver stiffness is a key indicator of liver health.
- Non-invasive methods for assessing liver stiffness are crucial in pediatric populations.
- Shear wave elastography (SWE) offers a promising approach for liver stiffness assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal liver elastic modulus values in school-age children using SWE.
- To investigate factors influencing liver stiffness measurements in this age group.
Main Methods:
- Six hundred and four school-age children with normal lab and imaging results underwent SWE.
- Liver elastic modulus was measured in segments V and VI.
- Comparisons were made between different age groups and genders.
Main Results:
- Mean liver elastic modulus was 6.3 ± 1.1 kPa (segment V) and 6.2 ± 1.1 kPa (segment VI).
- A positive linear trend in liver stiffness was observed in children aged 6-9 years.
- No significant differences in liver stiffness were found between genders or liver segments.
Conclusions:
- SWE is a feasible and reliable method for measuring liver stiffness in school-age children.
- This study provides a normal reference range for liver elastic modulus in this population.
- These findings will assist in evaluating liver stiffness changes associated with various pediatric liver diseases.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to determine the elastic modulus values of normal liver tissue in school-age children by shear wave elastography (SWE) and to study the factors that influence these stiffness measurements.
Methods:
Six hundred and four school-age children (295 girls and 309 boys) who were recruited at a hospital and had normal results of specific laboratory tests and imaging studies underwent SWE examinations. The elastic modulus values were obtained in segment V and VI for each subject and comparisons were made between age groups.
Results:
The mean elastic modulus values for school-age children were 6.3 ± 1.1 kPa for segment V and 6.2 ± 1.1 kPa for segment VI. A positive linear trend in liver stiffness was found for the 6 to 9-year-old age group in segments V and VI (R2 = 0.076 vs R2 = 0.085, respectively, P < .05). No statistically significant difference in liver stiffness was found between genders and between segment groups (P > .05).
Conclusion:
SWE is a feasible method to measure liver stiffness in the school-age population. We established a normal range of liver elastic modulus values in school-age children, which will provide a basis for evaluating the changes in liver stiffness caused by various diseases.
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