Initial experiences with dynamic, quality indicator-based multimodal tissue analysis (M-Ref) with parallel assessment of viscosity and shear wave elastography in liver parenchyma alterations

Jung, Ernst Michael and Wiesinger, Isabel and Kaiser, Ulrich and Jung, Friedrich (2024) Initial experiences with dynamic, quality indicator-based multimodal tissue analysis (M-Ref) with parallel assessment of viscosity and shear wave elastography in liver parenchyma alterations. CLINICAL HEMORHEOLOGY AND MICROCIRCULATION, 88 (4). pp. 419-427. ISSN 1386-0291, 1875-8622

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Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Modern ultrasound technology enables detailed tissue morphology analysis. A novel approach involves measuring viscoelasticity or viscosity. This pilot study investigates the potential of a novel high-end ultrasound system with dynamic quality indicators and the M-Ref tool. METHODS: Using a novel premium high-end ultrasound system (Resona A20/Mindray), comparative investigations were conducted on 52 patients, evaluating B-mode morphology, shear wave tissue elastography (STE), and viscosity (STVi) of the liver parenchyma. The study utilized a cohort of 25 healthy volunteers as a control group. The examinations were performed intercostally using a multifrequency convex probe SC7-1U (1-7 MHz) and breath-hold technique, ensuring that at least the highest or second-highest score in the dynamic quality control (5 stars) was achieved. Measurements were made in a color- coded region with a maximum 2 cm diameter and a depth of no more than 2 cm, avoiding bile ducts or blood vessels, at a depth up 2 cm from the liver capsule. RESULTS: A minimum of 10 measurements were taken for each parameter: liver steatosis (based on acoustic attenuation coefficient, USAT), viscosity (STVi), and shear wave elastography (STE) with correlation to fibrosis grade. Reference values for the control group were <1.4 m/s and <5 kPa for STE, with cirrhosis criteria defined as values >2.6 m/s and >15 kPa. For steatosis, values up to 0.5 dB/cm/MHz were considered normal, while values >0.8 dB/cm/MHz indicated fatty liver. Viscosity values <1.7 Pa.s were deemed normal, with >3.6 Pa.s indicating significant abnormality. Major causes of increased viscosity included severe steatosis, active hepatitis, hepatic tumors, or post-ablative states. In all cases, a high-quality indicator score (>93%) was achieved with at least 4/5 top reference markers in green. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study confirms the comprehensive capabilities of multimodal imaging for tissue characterization using B-mode, elastography, and new techniques for assessing viscoelasticity. However, extensive multicenter evaluations will be needed to definitively establish reference values specific to the type of transducer and equipment used.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: CONTROLLED ATTENUATION PARAMETER; NONINVASIVE ASSESSMENT; STEATOSIS; DIAGNOSIS; CAP; Liver ultrasound; quality indicators; shear wave elastography; viscosity; multiparametric (M-Ref)
Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medical sciences Medicine
Divisions: Medicine > Lehrstuhl für Innere Medizin III (Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie)
Medicine > Lehrstuhl für Röntgendiagnostik
Depositing User: Dr. Gernot Deinzer
Date Deposited: 17 Jul 2025 10:06
Last Modified: 17 Jul 2025 10:06
URI: https://pred.uni-regensburg.de/id/eprint/63666

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