Efficacy of shear wave elastography in predicting preeclampsia in the first trimester

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of shear wave elastography (SWE) for preeclampsia (PE) in first-trimester pregnancies.METHODS: Singleton pregnant women aged 18-45 years, who underwent routine first-trimester prenatal examinations (11-13 weeks+6 days) were enrolled. Pregnancies with anterior placenta and normal first-trimester screening test results were included in the study group.The SWE measurements of six areas of the placenta were performed, and the mean value was estimated. The perinatal outcomes and the demographic data were also collected. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used for the accuracy of predicting PE. RESULTS:This study consisted of 84 patients, of which 9 were diagnosed with PE during the follow-up. The mean SWE value of the PE patients was higher than that of patients with normal pregnancies (p=0.002). The analysis showed that the optimal cutoff value was 7.43 kPa to predict PE in the placentas of first-trimester pregnancies, with 88% sensitivity and 78% specificity. CONCLUSIONS:The SWE values of the placenta in the first trimester were different between normal patients and those who are subsequently developing PE. SWE may be a suitable tool for predicting PE in pregnant women.

The Value of Ultrasonic Elastography in Detecting Placental Stiffness for the Diagnosis of Preeclampsia: A Meta-Analysis

“…This meta-study included a total of nine studies taken from seven articles for evaluation [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ]. The basic characteristics of all included studies are presented in Table 1 .…”

“…Therefore, the other studies excluded placentas located in the posterior wall, except for Hefeda et al [ 30 ], who did not specify any restrictions on the placental position. Additionally, except for Sirinoglu et al [ 26 ], who specifically included women in early pregnancy, the other studies focused on mid-term and late-term pregnant women. The characteristics of the ultrasound elastography in the included studies are summarised in Table 2 .…”

“…In recent years, there have been an increasing number of studies examining the usage of ultrasonic elastography in diagnosing PE. However, the results have shown significant variability, with sensitivity ranging from 75% to 92%, and specificity ranging from 5% to 92% [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ]. Therefore, this meta-analysis aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the diagnostic performance of ultrasonic elastography for PE.…”

Shear wave elastography combined with two‐dimensional ultrasonography for detecting optic nerve sheath: An effective tool for assessing preeclampsia

“…28 In addition, several studies have used SWE techniques to compare placental stiffness in patients with preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women in the same trimester of pregnancy and found significant differences in stiffness between the two groups. [29][30][31] Fujita found that placental stiffness as determined using the SWE technique has a sensitivity and specificity of 92.3% and 91.3%, respectively, for diagnosing preeclampsia. Furthermore, the placental stiffness was also significantly higher in patients with high risk factors who were not preeclamptic than that in those without high risk factors.…”

“…The placental stiffness measured using ultrasound elastography is considered an indirect indicator of placental function and a potential biomarker for placental‐mediated disease 28 . In addition, several studies have used SWE techniques to compare placental stiffness in patients with preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women in the same trimester of pregnancy and found significant differences in stiffness between the two groups 29–31 . Fujita found that placental stiffness as determined using the SWE technique has a sensitivity and specificity of 92.3% and 91.3%, respectively, for diagnosing preeclampsia.…”