Stiffness, elasticity, resilience, density as clinical interpretation of physical properties of liver tissue

Abstract

Objective. Evaluation of a single vector of ultrasound assessment of changes in the liver parenchyma, taking into account the correct use of such physical concepts as stiffness, elasticity, elasticity, density.Material and methods. On the basis of the Problem Research Laboratory ‘Diagnostic Research and Minimally Invasive Technologies’ a study was conducted with the participation of 112 patients of a multidisciplinary hospital. Multiparametric ultrasound examination (B-mode, quantitative liver steatometry, 2D shear wave elastography, complex format ‘liver protocol’) was performed by ultrasound doctors (n = 24) of the following groups: half-a-year residents in the specialty ‘ultrasound diagnostics’ (n = 9; 37.6%), doctors working in a multidisciplinary hospital of a medical organization of the regional center with work experience up to 5 years (n = 4; 16.6%), 6–10 years (n = 4; 16.6%), 11–20 years old (n = 3; 12.6%), 21 years or more (n = 4; 16.6%), of which 1 (4.2%) professor, 1 (4.2%) doctor of medical sciences, 3 (12.5%) candidates of medical sciences. An analysis of the protocols of ultrasound examination was carried out.Results. The correct description of changes in the liver according to B-mode data, quantitative steatometry, 2D shear wave elastography and ‘liver protocol’ correct formulations were given by 9 (37.5%) specialists. In all cases, most of the correct protocols were provided by doctors from groups of 6–10 years of experience and 21 years of experience or more.Conclusions. In the community of specialists in ultrasound diagnostics there is no agreement on a correct and unified approach to the description of diffuse liver changes using multiparametric ultrasound. To increase the level of knowledge, complex multidisciplinary interaction is necessary in the format of scientific and educational programs organized jointly with specialists in the field of medical physics.