Ultrasound Elastography in Neurosurgery: Current Applications and Future Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics

Background:

• Ultrasound elastography (USE) assesses tissue elasticity, similar to clinical palpation.
• While established in other organs, its neurosurgical applications are less explored.
• This review focuses on interoperative USE in neurosurgery.

Approach:

• Systematic review of MEDLINE(R) database.
• Inclusion of original, peer-reviewed, full-text articles.
• Independent reviewer assessment and screening of search results.

Key Points:

• USE aids in neuro-oncology by defining tumor stiffness, guiding surgical plans, and detecting residual tumors.
• In epilepsy surgery, USE can improve the identification of epileptogenic foci for safer resection.
• Limited spinal surgery applications show USE can differentiate tissue states based on elasticity.

Conclusions:

• Interoperative USE is a safe, portable, and economical tool for neurosurgical applications.
• It provides valuable elasticity data across various neurosurgical conditions and surgical stages.
• The review covers current applications, underlying principles, modalities, challenges, and future potential of USE in neurosurgery.