US ELASTOGRAPHY

Elastography Test Overview

Elastography is a non-invasive medical imaging test that measures the stiffness or elasticity of tissues in the body. It is commonly used to evaluate liver health, particularly in patients with liver disease, but can also be applied to other organs such as the breast, thyroid, and prostate. In this overview, we will cover the basics of elastography, its applications, benefits, and limitations, as well as what to expect during the test. 

What is Elastography? 

Elastography uses a combination of ultrasound and low-frequency vibrations to assess tissue stiffness. It works by sending sound waves into the body and measuring the speed at which they bounce back. Softer tissues tend to compress more easily and return the sound waves at a slower pace, while stiffer tissues compress less and return the sound waves more quickly. This allows the imaging system to create a map of tissue stiffness, providing valuable information about the underlying tissue structure. 

Types of Elastography Tests 

There are two main types of elastography tests: 

Strain elastography: Measures tissue deformation in response to manual compression 

Shear wave elastography: Measures the speed of shear waves generated by low-frequency vibrations 

List of Parameters Considered During the Elastography Test

During the test, medical professionals will consider the following parameters: 

• Tissue stiffness (measured in kilopascals, kPa) 
• Tissue heterogeneity (variations in tissue stiffness) 
• Regional or focal stiffness 

Adjustments may be made based on patient factors, such as age, sex, and underlying medical conditions.

Reasons for Taking an Elastography Test

Elastography is prescribed for a range of conditions, including: 

• Liver disease diagnosis and staging 
• Liver cancer screening 
• Fatty liver disease evaluation 
• Breast cancer screening and diagnosis 
• Thyroid gland evaluation 
• Prostate gland evaluation 

When and Who Needs to Take an Elastography Test? 

Elastography is typically recommended for patients with: 

• Liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis 
• Fatty liver disease 
• Elevated liver enzymes 
• Family history of liver disease 
• High-risk behaviors for liver disease, such as heavy drinking or intravenous drug use 

It may also be recommended for: 

• Breast cancer screening and diagnosis 
• Thyroid gland evaluation 
• Prostate gland evaluation 

Benefits of Taking the Test

Elastography offers several benefits, including: 

•  Non-invasive and painless 
• Provides valuable information on tissue stiffness and structure 
• Helps diagnose and stage liver disease 
• Guides treatment decisions and monitoring of liver health 
• May reduce the need for biopsy in some cases 

Illnesses Diagnosed with Elastography Test

Elastography can help diagnose the following conditions: 

Liver diseases: 

• Hepatitis 
• Cirrhosis 
• Fatty liver disease 
• Liver cancer 

Breast cancer 

Thyroid gland disorders 

Prostate gland disorders 

Preparing for the Elastography Test

No specific preparations are required for elastography, but patients should:  

• Avoid eating for at least 2 hours before the test 
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing 
• Inform their doctor of any medical conditions or allergies 

Pre-requisites 

No pre-test requirements are necessary, such as fasting or avoiding certain medications. 

Best Time to Take the Elastography Test 

Elastography can be performed at any time, but it is usually scheduled in the morning after an overnight fast. 

Eligibility 

Elastography is generally recommended for patients with liver disease or those at high risk for developing liver disease. 

Procedure for Taking an Elastography Test 

The elastography test typically takes 15-30 minutes and involves the following steps: 

1. Preparation: The patient lies on an examination table, and a technician applies a thin layer of ultrasound gel to the skin. 

2. Ultrasound: The technician places the ultrasound probe on the skin and adjusts the settings to optimize image quality. 

3. Low-frequency vibrations: The technician activates the low-frequency vibrations, which transmit shear waves through the tissue. 

4. Data collection: The system collects data on tissue stiffness and generates an elastogram. 

5. Interpretation: A radiologist interprets the elastogram and reports the results to the referring physician. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

Patients should inform their doctor or technician of any medical conditions, allergies, or previous surgeries that may affect the test results. Additionally, patients should avoid deep breathing or movement during the test, as this can affect image quality.