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Image-guided point-shear-wave elastography: a valid and reliable technique for liver fibrotic staging
Sietske Bergsma1, Margo van Gent2,3,4, Alida J Dam-Vervloet2
1Department of Medical Physics, Isala Hospital, Zwolle, The Netherlands. s.bergsma@isala.nl.
Journal of Ultrasound
|January 28, 2024
Summary
Point-shear wave elastography (pSWE) is a valid and reliable tool for staging liver fibrosis. This phantom study demonstrates its potential to improve clinical workflow by integrating imaging and elastography.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Hepatology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Liver fibrosis staging is crucial for patient management.
- Image-guided point-shear wave elastography (pSWE) is recommended but underutilized.
- Validation of pSWE systems is needed for wider clinical adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the validity and reliability of pSWE measurements.
- To assess pSWE performance across different ultrasound systems and depths.
- To provide data supporting pSWE integration into clinical workflows.
Main Methods:
- A phantom study was conducted using three ultrasound systems.
- Elasticity phantoms with known values (7, 14, 26 kPa) were used.
- Measurements were repeated tenfold at depths of 2, 3, and 4 cm.
Main Results:
- pSWE demonstrated valid results for most reference elasticities and depths.
- One system showed overestimation for high elasticity at specific depths.
- Measurements were highly reliable, with IQR/median ratios well below the 0.30 guideline.
Conclusions:
- pSWE is a valid and reliable method for liver fibrotic staging.
- It offers a viable alternative to invasive and non-image guided techniques.
- pSWE can optimize clinical workflow by enabling simultaneous imaging and elastography.
