Reliability Of Shear Wave Elastography Research Articles

Cervical Multifidus Stiffness Assessment in Individuals with and without Unilateral Chronic Neck Pain: An Inter-Examiner Reliability Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the inter-examiner reliability of shear wave elastography (SWE) for measuring cervical multifidus (CM) muscle stiffness in asymptomatic controls and patients with chronic neck pain. A longitudinal observational study was conducted to assess the diagnostic accuracy of a procedure. SWE images, following a detailed procedure previously tested, were acquired by two examiners (one novice and one experienced) to calculate the shear wave speed (SWS) and Young's modulus. The painful side was examined for the experimental cases while the side examined in the control group was selected randomly. Data analyses calculated the intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), absolute errors between examiners, standard errors of measurement, and minimal detectable changes. A total of 125 participants were analyzed (n = 54 controls and n = 71 cases). The Young's modulus and SWS measurements obtained by both examiners were comparable within the asymptomatic group (both, p > 0.05) and the chronic neck pain group (both, p > 0.05). Nonetheless, a notable distinction was observed in the absolute error between examiners for shear wave speed measurements among patients with neck pain, where a significant difference was registered (p = 0.045), pointing to a sensitivity in measurement consistency affected by the presence of chronic neck pain. ICCs demonstrated moderate-to-good reliability across both groups, with ICC values for asymptomatic individuals reported as >0.8. Among the chronic neck pain patients, ICC values were slightly lower (>0.780). The study revealed moderate-to-good consistency, highlighting the practicality and generalizability of SWE.

(030) Reliability of Shear Wave Elastography for the Assessment of Pelvic Floor Muscle Stiffness

Abstract Introduction Shear wave elastography (SWE) has gained popularity for assessing skeletal muscle stiffness and could potentially overcome some limitations associated with the assessment of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs). Additionally, SWE is a non-invasive and painless alternative to the current method of assessing the PFMs, which is often painful or even impossible to perform in women with sexual pain. Before implementing this promising method, it is of the utmost importance to assess its reliability. Available data are limited and currently, there is no study investigating the reliability of SWE for the assessment of the different PFMs. Objective To investigate the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of SWE in measuring the stiffness of the different PFMs at rest and during maximal voluntary contraction in asymptomatic women. Methods Thirty asymptomatic nulliparous women participated in the study. They each attended a single assessment session conducted by two independent assessors. SWE assessments were performed using the Aixplorer device (Supersonic Imaging) equipped with linear probes. Four PFMs (i.e., bulbospongiosus, ischiocavernosus, transverse perineal, puborectalis) and the perineal body were assessed at rest and during maximal voluntary contraction. Measurements were taken twice by the first assessor (intra-rater reliability) and once by the second assessor (inter-rater reliability). SWE data were saved and analyzed offline. For both the resting and contraction states, three consecutive frames with stable SWE maps were selected. The average shear modulus was evaluated by manually defining a region of interest that corresponded to the structure assessed. To determine intra- and inter-rater reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated. Results Intra-rater reliability was excellent for the ischiocavernosus and puborectalis at rest and during contraction as well as for the transverse perineal and perineal body during contraction (ICC 0.82-0.95); good for the bulbospongiosus during contraction as well as the transverse perineal and perineal body at rest (ICC 0.61-0.79); and fair for the bulbospongiosus at rest (ICC 0.51). For the inter-rater reliability, the results were as follows: excellent for the transverse perineal and puborectalis during contraction (ICC 0.84-0.89); good for the puborectalis and transverse at rest as well as the perineal body during contraction (ICC 0.62-0.72); fair for the perineal body at rest (ICC 0.48); and poor for the bulbospongiosus and ischiocavernosus muscles (ICC 0.22-0.38) in both states. Conclusions These findings support the intra- and inter-rater reliability of SWE for the assessment of PFM stiffness in women, especially in the puborectalis muscle, transverse perineal muscle, and perineal body. By enabling the assessment of localized areas of stiffness in the different PFMs, SWE may be a stepping stone in enhancing our understanding of the role of the PFMs in the pathophysiology and treatment of sexual pain. Further studies investigating PFM stiffness with the use of SWE assessment are encouraged. Disclosure No

Comparison of shear wave elastography with gray-scale USG and CT for quantitative evaluation of rectus femoris muscle.

The purpose of this study was to compare the measurement of shear wave elastography (SWE) and gray scale ultrasonography (GSU) and CT attenuation of mid-rectus femoris (RF) muscle in healthy adults. This prospective study included 70 participants with a healthy body mass index (<25 kg/m2 ) between June 2019 and January 2020. Echo intensity (EI) grading of RF on GSU was performed. SWE was performed for the three levels of the RF. Measurements were repeated 10min after the first measurement. The mid-RF attenuation on CT was also measured. Interobserver agreement of EI grade among three readers was assessed using weighted-kappa statistics. The reliability of SWE was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient. The correlations between the SWE and CT/GSU measurements were analyzed. Interobserver agreement of EI grade on GSU by the three radiologists was moderate to substantial (k=0.562-0.767). The inter-session agreements for SWE were almost perfect for mid RF (k=0.822-0.829) and substantial for proximal and distal RF (k=0.767-0.795). There were significant correlations between SWE-EI and SWE-CT attenuation (p < 0.001, respectively) at the mid-RF. SWE measurements on mid-RF demonstrated the highest reliability. SWE parameters showed a strong correlation with EI on GSU and attenuation on CT.

In vivo assessment of the elastic properties of the external anal sphincter in term pregnant women using shear wave elastography.

The objective was to assess the intraobserver intersession and interobserver intrasession reliability of shear wave elastography applied to the external anal sphincter in term pregnant women. This prospective study involved nulliparous pregnant women at 37 weeks or more with two visits (V1: one observer; V2 two observers) planned within a 12-h to 7-day interval. Measurements were performed using an Aixplorer V12® device with an SL 18-5 linear probe using a transperineal approach, allowing a measurement of the shear modulus (SM) in kPa. Measures were performed at rest, Valsalva maneuver, and maximal contraction. Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The study was approved by an ethics committee (ID RCB: 2020-A00764-65). A total of 37 women were included. Intraobserver reliability was excellent at rest (ICC = 0.91 [0.84-0.95) and good during the Valsalva maneuver (ICC = 0.83 [0.72-0.90]) and contraction (ICC = 0.85 [0.75-0.91]). Interobserver reliability was good at rest (ICC = 0.79 [0.66-0.87]) and during Valsalva (ICC = 0.84 [0.73-0.90]), but moderate during contraction (ICC = 0.70 [0.53-0.82]). Shear wave elastography is a reliable tool for assessing the elastic properties of the external anal sphincter in term pregnant women.

Intra-Rater Reliability of Shear Wave Elastography for the Quantification of Respiratory Muscles in Adolescent Athletes.

The aim of this study was to assess the intra-rater reliability and agreement of diaphragm and intercostal muscle elasticity and thickness during tidal breathing. The diaphragm and intercostal muscle parameters were measured using shear wave elastography in adolescent athletes. To calculate intra-rater reliability, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman statistics were used. The reliability/agreement for one-day both muscle measurements (regardless of probe orientation) were at least moderate. During the seven-day interval between measurements, the reliability of a single measurement depended on the measured parameter, transducer orientation, respiratory phase, and muscle. Excellent reliability was found for diaphragm shear modulus at the peak of tidal expiration in transverse probe position (ICC3.1 = 0.91–0.96; ICC3.2 = 0.95), and from poor to excellent reliability for the intercostal muscle thickness at the peak of tidal inspiration with the longitudinal probe position (ICC3.1 = 0.26–0.95; ICC3.2 = 0.15). The overall reliability/agreement of the analysed data was higher for the diaphragm measurements (than the intercostal muscles) regardless of the respiratory phase and probe position. It is difficult to identify a more appropriate probe position to examine these muscles. The shear modulus/thickness of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles demonstrated good reliability/agreement so this appears to be a promising technique for their examination in athletes.

Reliability of shear wave elastography for the assessment of gastrocnemius fascia elasticity in healthy individual

The mechanical properties of the deep fascia, particularly their stiffness, strongly affect the development of muscle pathologies (such as compartment syndrome) and the action of the muscles. However, the mechanical characteristics of the deep muscular fascia are still not clearly understood. The present study focuses on examining the reliability of ultrasonic shear wave elastography (USWE) devices in quantifying the shear modulus of the gastrocnemius fascia in healthy individuals, particularly their ability to measure the shear modulus of the deep fascia of the gastrocnemius during ankle dorsiflexion. Twenty-one healthy males (age: 21.48 ± 1.17 years) participated in the study. Using USWE, the shear moduli of the medial gastrocnemius fascia (MGF) and lateral gastrocnemius fascia (LGF) were quantified at different angles during passive lengthening. The two operators took turns measuring each subject’s MGF and LGF over a 1-h period, and operator B took an additional measurement 2 h later. For the intra-operator test, the same subjects were measured again at the same time of day 5 days later. Both the intrarater [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.846–0.965)] and interrater (ICC = 0.877–0.961) reliability values for measuring the shear moduli of the MGF and LGF were rated as excellent; the standard error of the mean (SEM) was 3.49 kPa, and the minimal detectable change (MDC) was 9.68 kPa. Regardless of the ankle angle, the shear moduli of the LGF were significantly greater than that of the MGF (p < 0.001). Significant increases in the shear moduli of both the MGF and the LGF were observed in the neutral position compared to the relaxed position. These results indicate that USWE is a reliable technique to assess the shear modulus of the gastrocnemius fascia and detect its dynamic changes during ankle dorsiflexion. USWE can be used for biomechanical studies and intervention experiments concerning the deep fascia.

Accuracy of shear wave elastography in characterization of thyroid nodules in children and adolescents

BackgroundThyroid nodules are an important health problem in children and adolescents. They possess a higher risk of malignancy in comparison to adults. This fact forms a great dilemma for clinicians. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of shear wave elastography (SWE) as a non-invasive technique in the characterization of thyroid nodules in children and adolescents.MethodsThis prospective study included 56 patients with thyroid nodules. All the patients underwent clinical assessment, laboratory investigations, ultrasound, and Doppler examination, followed by an SWE assessment. Statistical analysis was performed and the best cut-off value to differentiate benign from malignant nodules was determined using the ROC curve and AUC.ResultsSeventy-two nodules were detected in the examined patients (ages ranged from 11 to 19 years, with mean age of 14.89 ± 2.3 years). Fifty-eight nodules (80.6%) were benign, and fourteen nodules (19.4%) were malignant (histopathologically proved). Highly suspicious criteria for prediction of malignancy by ultrasound and Doppler were hypoechoic echopattern, internal or internal and peripheral vascularity, microcalcifications, taller-than-wide dimensions, irregular outlines, and absence of halo (p < 0.05). The diagnostic performance for their summation was 70.69% sensitivity, 82.8% specificity, 80.45% accuracy, a 63.79% positive predictive value (PPV), and 87.9% negative predictive values (NPV). Regarding SWE, our results showed that 42.2 kPa was the best cut-off value, with AUC = 0.921 to differentiate malignant from benign nodules; the diagnostic performance was 85.71% sensitivity, 94.83% specificity, 93.06% accuracy, 76.9% PPV, and 93.2% NPV.ConclusionShear wave elastography is a non-invasive technique that can assist in the diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules among children and adolescents.

Reliability of shear wave elastography in the evaluation of diffuse thyroid diseases in children and adolescents

PurposeThyroid diseases are common yet serious in children that lead to many metabolic and growth disorders; the most common among these are diffuse thyroid diseases (DTD). This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of shear wave elastography (SWE) to differentiate and diagnose DTD from normal thyroid tissue. MethodThis prospective study included normal participants and patients with DTD. The subjects were assessed by clinical evaluation, laboratory investigation, conventional ultrasound, and Doppler examination, followed by SWE assessments. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test and one-way ANOVA test, as appropriate. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the best cutoff values to differentiate healthy participants from those with DTD and to differentiate between different types of DTD. ResultsThe study included 74 patients with DTD and 20 healthy participants. The mean SWE values were 10.9 ± 1.78, 12.8 ± 2.1, 15.31 ± 2.95, and 17.26 ± 4.2 kPa for the normal participants and for patients with simple goiter, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), or Grave’s disease (GD), respectively. Statistically significant differences were noted between the mean SWE of the normal participants and that of patients with DTD, as well as between the mean SWE of patients with different types of DTD (P < 0.05). The best SWE cutoff values to differentiate a normal thyroid from DTD, HT from GD, HT from simple goiter, and GD from simple goiter were 12.8, 17.8, 13.4, and 13.9 kPa, respectively. ConclusionsSWE is a reliable diagnostic tool for differentiating normal thyroid tissue from DTD, as well as for differentiating between different types of DTD.

Shear wave elastography of the scalene muscles in healthy adults: A preliminary study.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the reliability of shear wave elastography to assess the anterior and middle scalene muscles in healthy adult subjects.The study included 60 scalene muscles in 15 healthy subjects. High-resolution ultrasound and shear wave elastography were used to evaluate the anterior scalene and the middle scalene muscles. Stiffness values were measured.The mean shear elastic modulus showed the following values, right anterior scalene muscle 18.83 ± 5.32 kPa, left anterior scalene muscle 21.71 ± 4.8 kPa, right middle scalene muscle 12.84 ± 5.2 kPa, left middle scalene muscle 19.76 ± 5.30 kPa. Positive correlation was noted between the left middle scalene muscle and body mass index (P = .004). No difference in elasticity was noted between the right and left anterior scalene muscles; however, significant difference was noted between the right and left middle scalene muscles (P = .002).The results obtained in our study could be a reference point for future research considering different scalene muscle pathologies.

Effect of Knee Angle and Quadriceps Muscle Force on Shear-Wave Elastography Measurements at the Patellar Tendon

Shear-wave elastography (SWE) is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides estimates of tissue stiffness via shear-wave speed measurements. No standardized protocol currently exists for SWE of the patellar tendon, which may be influenced by knee angle and quadriceps muscle force. In this study, the reliability of SWE in cadaveric patellar tendons was examined at three knee angles (0°, 30° and 60°) and three quadriceps muscle forces (0, 50 and 100 N). Shear-wave speed was significantly higher at a knee angle of 60° than at 0° or 30° (increases of 7% and 9%, respectively), and when the quadriceps muscle force was greater than or equal to 50 N (increase of 15%). SWE of the patellar tendon displayed excellent repeatability regardless of knee angle as long as no quadriceps force was generated (intra-class correlation coefficient ≥0.91). This research illustrates the importance of controlling knee angle and quadriceps force for consistency and comparison of SWE results.

Ultrasound shearwave elastography to characterize muscles of healthy and cerebral palsy children

Shear wave elastography (SWE) is an ultrasound technique to obtain soft tissue mechanical properties. The aim of this study was to establish the reliability of SWE in young children, define reference data on healthy ones and compare the shear modulus of healthy and spastic muscles from cerebral palsy (CP). The reproducibility is evaluated: at rest, on 7 children without any musculoskeletal pathology by 3 different operators, on 2 muscles: biceps brachii long head and medial gastrocnemius. The comparison study was made, on the same 2 muscles, at rest and under passive stretching, with a control group (29 healthy children), a spastic group (spastic muscles of 16 children from CP) and a non-spastic group (non-spastic muscles of 14 children from CP). The intra-operator reliability and inter-operator reliability, in terms of standard deviation, were 0.6 kPa (11.2% coefficient of variation (CV)) and 0.8 kPa (14.9% CV) for the biceps, respectively, and 0.4 kPa (11.5% CV) and 0.5 kPa (13.8% CV) for the gastrocnemius. At rest, no significant difference was found. Under passive stretching, the non-spastic CP biceps were significantly stiffer than the control ones (p = 0.033). Spastic gastrocnemius had a higher shear modulus than in the control muscles (p = 0.0003) or the non-spastic CP muscles (p = 0.017). CP stretched medial gastrocnemius presented an abnormally high shear moduli for 50% of patients.

Reliability of Shear Wave Elastography and Ultrasound Measurement in Children with Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy

In clinical practice, few data exist on the feasibility of performing reliable shear wave elastography (SWE) and ultrasonography (US) measurements in spastic muscles of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Ten children with unilateral CP took part in SWE and US assessment of the tibialis anterior and medialis gastrocnemius muscles during two sessions separated by a 1-wk interval. Intra- and inter-investigator reliability of shear modulus (µ) and muscle thickness (MT) measurements, at neutral and maximal dorsiflexion angles on both legs, was assessed by two investigators with different levels of experience. Reliability was assessed with the coefficient of variation (CV), standard error of measurement and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Reliability of the µ measurement was insufficient, regardless of angle position (CV >10% and >20% for neutral and maximal dorsiflexion angles, respectively). The intra- and inter-investigator reliability of MT measurements was good (CV >10%, ICC >0.74) for both muscles in both legs. SWE measurements must be performed using a rigorous standardized protocol while MT should be considered an important parameter to monitor change in muscle morphology.

Evaluation of Measurement Conditions and the Reliability of Shear Wave Elastography

Evaluation of Measurement Conditions and the Reliability of Shear Wave Elastography

Reliability of shear-wave elastography (SWE) for investigating cervix elastic properties in normal and benign pathological situations

Background: Our aim in this study is to evaluate the inter- and intraobserver correlation of the different shear-wave elastography (SWE) parameters (stiffness) in both control and pathological groups. Methods: Evaluations of cervical stiffness measurements were performed in 39 non-pregnant patients (21 cases without gynecological pathology and other 18 cases with cervical preinvasive cervical lesion susceptible to conization) aged between 18–65 years old, without vaginal infection other than HPV and without another gynecological pathology. We used SWE (shear modulus) endovaginal ultrasound. We performed the evaluation in the midsagittal plane of the uterine cervix with measurements at 0.5, 1 and 1.5 cm from external cervical OS, in both anterior and posterior cervical lips as well as the cervical canal. Sonoelastography was performed by two examiners, each one making two separate assessments of uterine cervical stiffness using SWE, in one single visit. Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with 95% CIs were used to assess intra and interobserver measurements repeatability. Results: We obtained an adequate intra and interobserver correlation (ICC 0.996–0.999) of stiffness in all anatomical sites both in normal and pathologic cervix (p &lt; 0.005). The stiffness in normal cervix is from 38.28 ± 19.76 kPa vs to 61.58 ± 27.54 kPa in the pathological cervix. Conclusion: The SWE has an adequate intra and interobserver correlation for its use in evaluating both normal and pathological cervix.

Reliability of shear-wave elastography in assessing thoracolumbar fascia elasticity in healthy male

The objectives of this study were to examine the intra and inter-operator reliability of shear wave elastography (SWE) device in quantifying the shear modulus of thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) and the device’s abilities to examine the shear modulus of the TLF during upper body forward. Twenty healthy male subjects participated in this study (mean age: 18.4 ± 0.7 years). Two independent operators performed the shear modulus of TLF during upper body forward using SWE, and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and minimum detectable change (MDC) were calculated. The shear modulus of the TLF was quantified by operator A using SWE at upper body forward 60°. The intra-operator (ICC = 0.860–0.938) and inter-operator (ICC = 0.904–0.944) reliabilities for measuring the shear modulus of the TLF with the upper body forward 0° were rated as both excellent, and the MDC was 4.71 kPa. The TLF shear modulus of upper body forward 60°was increased 45.5% (L3) and 55.0% (L4) than that of upper body forward 0°. The results indicate that the SWE is a dependable tool to quantify the shear modulus of TLF and monitor its dynamic changes. Therefore, this device can be used for biomechanical study and intervention experiments of TLF.

Intrarater Reliability of Shear Wave Elastography for the Quantification of Lateral Abdominal Muscle Elasticity in Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients

ObjectiveTo date, studies evaluating the reliability of shear wave elastography (SWE) measures of the lateral abdominal muscles (LAMs) in adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have never been performed. The aim of the study was to assess the intrarater reliability of SWE and thickness of the LAMs at rest and during isometric contraction (10% of maximal voluntary contraction). MethodsThis was a single-group, repeated-measures intrarater reliability study. Twenty-four patients with AIS between ages 10 and 17 years took part in the study. Two and 3 repeated SWE measurements were recorded in the supine resting position and during isometric contraction, respectively. Two sessions were performed with a 7-day interval. ResultsBy using the mean of 2 measures in the supine, resting position, intraexaminer reliability point estimates (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]3.2) ranged from 0.75 to 0.84 for external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles. During the isometric contraction, the ICC3.3 results ranged from 0.70 to 0.83. The ICC results for muscle thicknesses in both conditions ranged from 0.89 to 0.96. ConclusionMeasurements of LAM elasticity are reliable in patients with AIS. The superficial fat layer did not influence the measurement error between 2 sets of measurements in the examined adolescent population. The images extracted from SWE can successfully be used to assess LAM thicknesses with high reliability.

Pitfalls in the use of shear wave elastography on the cervix

Introduction Ultrasound shear wave elastography has the potential to assess the strength of the maternal cervix for signs of insufficiency.1, 2 The reliability of shear wave elastography in biological tissues can be affected by numerous ultrasound artifacts and prestress of tissues in the region of interest can also affect the shear wave speed. This study investigates the use of the transvaginal ultrasound approach to obtain shear wave speeds in the uterine cervix with the aim of identifying factors that affect shear wave speed and transmission. Objectives The primary aim of this study is to identify biological and technical confounders for the use of two dimensional shear wave elasography applied to the uterine cervix. The goal was to identify confounders, and develop shear wave technique in the low risk non-gravid population. Methods Sixty nine non-gravid participants with varying medical history and ethnicity consented to be part of this research. Inter-operator testing was performed on fifteen participants.Imaging methodology As an adjunct to the normal imaging examination extra imaging of cervical speed measurements using two dimensional shear wave elastography was performed.The transvaginal approach utilises an endocavity transducer with an empty maternal bladder. Shear wave elastography speed measurements are acquired at the external and internal os anterior and posterior portions. Results Reliable measurements were obtained at the external os and internal os, anteriorly and posteriorly, in 63, 55, 55 and 26 patients respectively. The mean speed obtained at the external os, anteriorly and posteriorly, was 2.52 ± 0.49 m/s and 2.87 ± 0.63 m/s respectively, and at the internal os anteriorly and posteriorly, 3.29 ± 0.79 m/s and 4.10 ± 1.11 m/s respectively. The difference in speed between all regions was statistically significant] (p Interoperator testing The intraclass correlation coefficient obtained at the regions of the cervix was as follows - external os anterior 0.83 (CI 0.45 – 0.95), external os posterior 0.69 (CI 0.07-0.90), internal os anterior 0.92 (CI 0.76 – 0.97), internal os posterior 0.90 (CI 0.37-0.98) Conclusion Biological factors and ultrasound induced artifacts appear to affect the transmission of the elastographic main pulse, with cervical position appearing to affect shear wave production. Reliable shear wave propagation can be achieved in the anterior cervix in most patients.

Comparison of the clinical usefulness of shear wave elastography relative to transient elastography and other markers of liver fibrosis

Introduction and aims Shear wave elastography (SWE) is an emerging ultrasound-related technology for assessment of liver fibrosis. The usefulness and reliability of SWE is unclear relative to other markers of liver fibrosis. We compared the clinical usefulness of SWE relative to transient elastography (TE), liver ultrasound and other standard biochemical markers of chronic liver disease in patients with varied liver disorders. Methods SWE assessment was performed using a Toshiba Aplio 500 or Canon Aplio i800 machine, concurrently with liver ultrasound on 421 adult patients. Amongst these patients 227 also had liver transient elastography (TE). Patient age, gender, body mass index (BMI), alcohol history, liver disease diagnosis, and laboratory results were recorded. Associations between SWE, TE and patient factors were sought. Suspected significant liver fibrosis was defined by liver stiffness measurement interpretation of ≥ F2 equivalent using Metavir staging. Results Patients were predominantly male (67.5%). Males and females were matched as regards age and BMI. The indications for SWE included nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (10%), chronic hepatitis B (22%), chronic hepatitis C (38%), alcohol-related liver disease (18%) and others (12%). 23%The mean (standard deviation) age was 53 (14) years, body mass index 27.7 (6.3) kg/m2, ultrasound-measured skin to liver capsule distance 20.0 (7.3)mm, serum ALT 39(27) U/L and AST 48(32) U/L. The median (IQR) liver stiffness was 9.9 (6.4-20.0) kPa with SWE and 9.2 (5.8-20.9) kPa with TE. Patients with suspected significant liver fibrosis determined by SWE, compared with patients not suspected of having significant fibrosis, were significantly older, had higher BMI, skin to liver capsule distance, TE liver stiffness measurement, alcohol consumption, and blood based assessments AST (but not ALT), AST/ALT ratio, AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), Hepascore and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), but lower platelet count and serum albumin (p Conclusions SWE was found to be a useful test for suspected liver fibrosis in various liver disorders, and results were found to correlate with TE liver stiffness measurement plus clinically relevant anthropometric and laboratory parameters.

Evaluation of the healthy median nerve elasticity: Feasibility and reliability of shear wave elastography.

The present study applied the shear wave elastography (SWE) to the median nerve in order to investigate the feasibility and reliability of its use in 40 healthy volunteers. Shear wave velocities of the median nerve on bilateral forearms and right carpal tunnel were obtained with relaxing or stretching conditions. The inter- and intraobserver agreements and differences of nerve elasticity among groups were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients, the paired t test, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, respectively. The stiffness of the site was expressed by 3 types of values: mean, minimum, and maximum shear-wave velocities. The inter- and intraobserver agreements were excellent (0.852–0.930) on the right forearm. No differences were detected between the bilateral forearm (mean: P = .14), while the values of different body sites and postures were statistically different (P < .001). SWE, as a noninvasive and objective tool, reached a good consistency in evaluating the healthy median nerve. Further studies are essential to investigate the detailed influencing factors and provide an insight of SWE to estimate both the normal nerve and peripheral neuropathy.

Muscle Shear Wave Elastography in Inclusion Body Myositis: Feasibility, Reliability and Relationships with Muscle Impairments

Degenerative muscle changes may be associated with changes in muscle mechanical properties. Shear wave elastography (SWE) allows direct quantification of muscle shear modulus (MSM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of SWE in the severely disordered muscle as observed in inclusion body myositis. To explore the clinical relevance of SWE, potential relationships between MSM values and level muscle impairments (weakness and ultrasound-derived muscle thickness and echo intensity) were investigated. SWE was performed in the biceps brachii at 100°, 90°, 70° and 10° elbow flexion in 34 patients with inclusion body myositis. MSM was assessed before and after five passive stretch-shortening cycles at 4°/s from 70° to 10° elbow angle and after three maximal voluntary contractions to evaluate potential effects of muscle pre-conditioning. Intra-class correlation coefficients and standard errors of measurements were >0.83 and <1.74 kPa and >0.64 and <1.89 kPa for within- and between-day values, respectively. No significant effect of passive loading–unloading and maximal voluntary contractions was found (all p values >0.18). MSM correlated to predicted muscle strength (all Spearman correlation coefficients (ρ) > 0.36; all p values < 0.05). A significant correlation was found between muscle echo intensity and muscle shear modulus at 70° only (ρ = 0.38, p < 0.05). No correlation was found between muscle thickness and MSM (all ρ values > 0.23 and all p values > 0.25, respectively). Within- and between-day reliability of muscle SWE was satisfactory and moderate, respectively. SWE shows promise for assessing changes in mechanical properties of the severely disordered muscle. Further investigations are required to clarify these findings and to refine their clinical value.