Keywords:
Breast, Ultrasound
Authors:
D. O. Cosgrove1, C. J. Doré1, C. Cohen-Bacrie2, J.-P. Henry2; 1London/UK, 2Aix-en-Provence/FR
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2010/C-0444
Conclusion
This novel SWE system using acoustic radiation force to produce shear waves that are tracked using ultrafast ultrasound imaging proved successful in this study of breast masses. The good reproducibility of the data obtained is consistent with the real-time elastography images and stable movies produced, a feature which makes the system easy to use.
The added features that led to the highest diagnostic performance (mean and maximum elasticity values in kPa, homogeneity and shape of the SWE image) depend directly on the special features of SWE: local quantification and millimetre resolution.
The design of the study in which SWE features are used as additional diagnostic criteria mirrors the real life situation better than those attempting to use elastography as an alternative to B-mode data.
The results of the completed BE1 trial are eagerly awaited.