Examination of rapid adjustment system based on screen score obtained using continuous shear wave elastography.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Ultrasound Technology

Background:

• Continuous shear wave elastography (C-SWE) shows promise for portable muscle elasticity diagnosis.
• Improving measurement techniques and quantitative accuracy are crucial for establishing C-SWE diagnostic technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate two novel screen scores: the quality index (Q-index) and shear wave propagation direction index (SWDI).
• To enhance the diagnostic capabilities of C-SWE for muscle elasticity assessment.

Main Methods:

• Numerical simulations were conducted using white noise to evaluate the Q-index and SWDI.
• Experiments with tissue-mimicking phantoms assessed the relationship between the Q-index and shear wave velocity estimation accuracy.
• The screen scores were applied to muscle relaxation monitoring to confirm clinical utility.

Main Results:

• A normalized Q-index greater than 0.27 resulted in a shear wave velocity estimation coefficient of variation below 5%.
• A clear relationship was established between the SWDI and the standard deviation of shear wave propagation direction.
• A negative correlation between the Q-index and the coefficient of variation of estimated shear wave velocity was observed, enabling inference of propagation velocity fluctuations.

Conclusions:

• The developed screen scores significantly improved the stability of speed estimation in C-SWE.
• The findings demonstrate the potential clinical applicability of these enhanced C-SWE measurement techniques for muscle elasticity diagnosis.