Hepatoscope 2DTE's image-based quality index enhances applicability and repeatability of liver stiffness measurement

Hepatoscope® is an ultraportable ultrasound system with 50 Hz two-dimensional transient elastography (2DTE) for liver stiffness measurement (LSM). It provides a quality index (QI) for individual stiffness values that is based on imaging features. This study evaluated the 2DTE intra- and inter-user repeatability in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD) for novice and expert operators across various QI conditions. We compared the performances with other imaging and non-imaging elastography techniques.

This investigation was a prospective cross-sectional single-center study. One hundred CLD patients underwent LSMs with vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE™), two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2DSWE) and 2DTE. Expert and novice operators each performed two consecutive exams with 2DTE, blinded to any output. Intra-class correlation coefficient for intra-, and inter-user repeatability were calculated as well as applicability for various QI conditions, and Spearman's correlations against VCTE and 2DSWE were assessed.

Computing LSM as the median of 10 stiffness values with a QI>85 % yielded the best compromise between reliability and applicability. In this setting, expert and inter-operator repeatability showed significant improvement over the condition with no QI threshold (ICC = 0.81 and 0.79, respectively) and 95 % applicability. Novice repeatability was excellent with a more restrictive QI (ICC = 0.80). LSM with 2DTE demonstrated strong and moderate correlation with VCTE and 2DSWE (r = 0.63 and 0.55, respectively).

Hepatoscope 2DTE provides a promising and reliable alternative for non-invasive liver stiffness assessment in patients with CLD. The application of the image-based QI enhances LSM reliability and consistency across novice and expert operators.