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European Radiology

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01-10-2012 | Ultrasound

Tissue elasticity estimated by acoustic radiation force impulse quantification depends on the applied transducer force: an experimental study in kidney transplant patients

Authors: Trygve Syversveen, Karsten Midtvedt, Audun E. Berstad, Knut Brabrand, Erik H. Strøm, Andreas Abildgaard

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 10/2012

Abstract

Objectives

Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) quantification estimates tissue elasticity by measuring shear-wave velocity (SWV) and has been applied to various organs. We evaluated the impact of variations in the transducer force applied to the skin on the SWV ultrasound measurements in kidney transplant cortex and ARFI’s ability to detect fibrosis in kidney transplants.

Methods

SWV measurements were performed in the cortex of 31 patients with kidney allografts referred for surveillance biopsies. A mechanical device held the transducer and applied forces were equal to a compression weight of 22, 275, 490, 975, 2,040 and 2,990 g.

Results

SWV group means were significantly different by repeat measures ANOVA [F(2.85,85.91) = 84.75, P < 0.0005 for 22, 275, 490, 975 and 2,040 g compression weight] and also by pairwise comparisons. Biopsy specimens were sufficient for histological evaluation in 29 of 31 patients. Twelve had grade 0, 11 grade 1, five grade 2 and one grade 3 fibrosis. One-way ANOVA showed no difference in SWV performed with any of the applied transducer forces between grafts with various degrees of fibrosis.

Conclusion

SWV measurements in kidney transplants are dependent on the applied transducer force and do not differ in grafts with different grades of fibrosis.

Key Points

• Acoustic radiation force impulses (ARFI) can quantify tissue elasticity during ultrasound examinations.

• Elasticity estimated by ARFI in kidney transplants depends on applied transducer force.

• ARFI quantification cannot detect renal allograft fibrosis.

• ARFI elasticity estimates may in general vary with applied transducer force.

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Title: Tissue elasticity estimated by acoustic radiation force impulse quantification depends on the applied transducer force: an experimental study in kidney transplant patients
Authors: Trygve Syversveen
Karsten Midtvedt
Audun E. Berstad
Knut Brabrand
Erik H. Strøm
Andreas Abildgaard
Publication date: 01-10-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 10/2012
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2476-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Tissue elasticity estimated by acoustic radiation force impulse quantification depends on the applied transducer force: an experimental study in kidney transplant patients

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

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