Abstract
Elastography aims at assessing tissue elasticity. As a branch of ultrasound elastography (UE), shear-wave elastography is recognized by engineering and clinical fields, particularly fast shear-wave elastography (SWE). Shear-wave elastography (SWE) is a real-time, two-dimensional elastography technology that has emerged in recent years. It is different from Static Elastography, and also different from Transient Elastography and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse. Based on the fact that the elastic moduli of different tissues are several orders of magnitude greater than the acoustic impedance differences, Elasticity imaging instruments for clinical use have been developed, and has gradually matured. A new stage of technological progress has occurred with SWE. This paper introduces the principle behind the use of elastography and several elastography technologies in clinical application, and then explores methods for fulfilling the promises of this technology: real time and superfast. Furthermore, methods for the generation and detection of Shear Waves are enumerated. These include, for example, the dynamic coherence enhancement technique based on “Mach Waves” and ultra-high-frequency imaging technology for simultaneous transmitting and receiving. Finally, the future development of Shear-wave elastography is discussed. It is believed that with the development of new technologies and new materials, shear wave elastography (SWE) will play an increasingly important role in clinical practice.
Highlights
Ultrasound diagnostics, including the A-mode (Amplitude), B-mode (Brightness), M-mode (Motion), C-mode (Color), and D-mode (Doppler) ultrasound imaging, have progressed from “point-mode imaging” (A-mode ultrasound), through “linear-mode imaging” (M-mode ultrasound) and “plane-mode imaging”, to “body imaging” [1]
Elastography aims at assessing tissue elasticity and measuring tissue deformation due to compression
Measurement of tissue deformation caused by static, stable compression: A steady and uniform pressure is applied to the body surface of the examinee
Summary
Ultrasound diagnostics, including the A-mode (Amplitude), B-mode (Brightness), M-mode (Motion), C-mode (Color), and D-mode (Doppler) ultrasound imaging, have progressed from “point-mode imaging” (A-mode ultrasound), through “linear-mode imaging” (M-mode ultrasound) and “plane-mode imaging” (two-dimensional ultrasound), to “body imaging” (three-dimensional ultrasound) [1]. There is a diagnostic method for measuring tissue stiffness (elasticity) using the principle of ultrasound. Elasticity imaging instruments for clinical use have been developed. Shear wave elasticity imaging (SWEI), known as E-imaging, has gradually matured. Shear-wave elastography (SWE), used in conjunction with traditional ultrasound imaging, is capable of quantitatively displaying in real-time, tissue elasticity in two dimensions. The value of this technique has been proven in the qualitative diagnosis of breast lesions [3-4]. Dr James Trotter has observed that “Shear-wave elastography (SWE) has become an important diagnostic tool for hepatic diseases.”
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