Ultrasound Elastography: Review of Techniques, Clinical Application, Technical Limitations, and Safety Considerations in Neonatology

Abstract

Ultrasound elastography is a relatively new non-invasive diagnostic imaging technology that maps elastic properties and the stiffness of soft tissue. In general, these methods can be classified into strain imaging methods that use internal or external compression stimuli and a shear wave imaging that use ultrasound-generated travelling shear wave stimuli. In this review we describe the basics of ultrasound elastography, discuss differences between various ultrasound elastography techniques, and review advantages, limitations, and the safety of these techniques in clinical practice, especially in neonatology. Furthermore, we review the potential of application of elastography in revealing brain injury and characterizing age dependent differences in preterm and term infants.

Compression Elastography and Shear Wave Ultrasound Elastography for Measurement of Brain Elasticity in Full‐Term and Premature Neonates

“…Elastography has been safely used for brain imaging, [17][18][19] but studies evaluating its use in brain imaging for tissue elasticity in normal-term neonates and premature neonates remain inadequate. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the brain tissue elasticity in normal term and premature neonates using compression elastography and SWE and provide clinical evidence for its application in brain imaging of neonates.…”