Role of ultrasound elastography in the evaluation of focal liver lesions

Abstract

Background: Ultrasound Elastography is a new imaging technique developed to non-invasive assessment of mechanical properties of the lesion. Focal liver lesions are cystic masses seen in the abnormal part of the liver. Ultrasound Elastography is non-invasive, non-contrast enhanced, easy to perform and is efficient in the characterization of focal liver lesion. This study was designed to evaluate and characterize the focal liver lesions by ultrasound Elastography. Materials and methods: A total of 100 cases with focal lesions referred for image-guided biopsy or planned for surgical resection, between age group 25-70 years were recruited. Cases with multiple lesions, the larger lesion was considered for index lesion. Liver stiffness was measured in the peripheral area of bigger lesion and in the liver greater than 2 cm from the lesion periphery. Data of stiffness value, stiffness ratio and shear wave velocity (m/s) were recorded 5 times for each group. Results: The mean values of elastographic parameters between malignant and benign FLL show statistically significant difference in stiffness ratio, shear wave velocity, stiffness value and strain ratio (P