Feasibility and reproducibility of ShearWave(TM) elastography of fetal baboon organs.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and reproducibility of transabdominal ShearWave(TM) elastography of fetal organs in pregnant baboons. Fetal ultrasounds of all pregnant baboons in a single primate research center were performed prospectively during 9 months. The visualization of fetal targeted organs (liver, proximal and distal lungs, brain white matter and periventricular gray matter) was initially performed using 2D ultrasound, and then elastography mode was activated. For each organ, three measurements were carried out by two operators. Intra-observer and inter-observer intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated. During the study period (03/2013-12/2013), 21 pregnant baboons (21 fetuses) were included. One to three ultrasound scans were performed for each fetus. The measurements were feasible by the two operators in all cases. The intra-observer and inter-observer ICC were 0.654, 95% CI (0.606 to 0.699) and 0.645, 95% CI (0.553 to 0.721) respectively. Transabdominal ShearWave(TM) Elastography of fetal organs can be achieved in pregnant baboons. The intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility is correct but vary according to the targeted organs.