Elastography imaging: the 30 year perspective.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Conventional radiology primarily measured absorption coefficients and spin-spin relaxations.
• Intrinsic biomechanical properties of tissues were largely unimageable by conventional radiology throughout the 20th century.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the technical and clinical developments in medical imaging of tissue elastic properties over the past 30 years.
• To highlight the progression of elastography from research to clinical practice.
• To identify remaining challenges for future development in the next decade.

Main Methods:

• Development of ultrasound systems capable of imaging tissue stiffness and shear wave properties starting around 1990.
• Progressive implementation on clinical scanners, extensive clinical trials, and regulatory approvals.
• Review of major technical and clinical advancements in elastography.

Main Results:

• Medical ultrasound systems demonstrated the ability to image tissue stiffness and shear wave properties.
• Significant progress from research to routine clinical practice globally.
• Established diagnostic tasks, government and payer approvals, and international standards.

Conclusions:

• Imaging of tissue biomechanical properties has become a significant advancement in medical diagnostics.
• Elastography has transitioned from research to widespread clinical application.
• Ongoing research is crucial to address remaining challenges and further advance the field.