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Shear Wave Elastography

Quantitative ultrasound imaging that measures tissue stiffness using acoustic shear waves.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Radyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Shear Wave Elastography?

Shear wave elastography (SWE) uses acoustic radiation force impulses to generate transverse shear waves within tissue. The propagation speed of these waves is directly related to tissue stiffness, which can be color-coded and quantified.

Clinically validated applications include staging of chronic liver disease (replacing biopsy in many patients), characterization of breast lesions (BI-RADS adjunct), thyroid nodules (TI-RADS adjunct), prostate, lymph nodes and musculoskeletal pathology including tendons.

It is rapid, reproducible, painless, radiation-free and can be performed at the bedside or during routine ultrasound. Limitations include depth, obesity and inflammatory states that may falsely elevate stiffness values.

Symptoms

Indications: chronic hepatitis evaluation
Liver fibrosis staging instead of biopsy
Characterization of breast nodules
Thyroid nodule risk stratification
Prostate cancer detection adjunct
Tendon and muscle pathology
Lymph node assessment

Risk Factors

Risk factors for chronic liver disease (hepatitis B/C, NAFLD, alcohol)
Breast cancer risk factors
Thyroid nodule with suspicious ultrasound features
Elevated PSA
Sports-related tendon injury
Hepatic transplantation candidacy
Need to avoid biopsy

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Suspected chronic liver disease requiring fibrosis assessment
  • Newly detected breast or thyroid nodule
  • Tendon or muscle injury with diagnostic uncertainty
  • Need for non-invasive monitoring of liver disease
  • Pre-treatment baseline for hepatitis therapy
  • Pediatric or pregnant patients requiring tissue characterization

Treatment Methods

01
Performed by trained sonographer or radiologist
02
Patient supine and fasting for liver examination
03
Multiple measurements averaged for reliability
04
Reported in kPa or m/s with quality indicators
05
Combined with B-mode and Doppler imaging
06
Repeated for monitoring disease progression
07
Integrated with other imaging and laboratory results

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Radyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.