Variability of Transrectal Shear Wave Elastography in a Phantom Model

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to assess the variability of transrectal shear wave elastography (SWE) using a designed phantom. Materials and Methods In a phantom, the SWE values were examined by two radiologists using agarose and emulsion silicone of different sizes (1, 2, and 3 cm) and shapes (round, cubic) at three depths (1, 2, and 3 cm), two region of interest (ROI) and locations (central, peripheral) using two ultrasound machines (A, B from different vendors). Variability was evaluated using the coefficient of variation (CV). Results The CVs decreased with increasing phantom size. Significant changes in SWE values included; agarose phantom at 3 cm depth (p 0.9). Conclusion The phantom size, depth, and different machines affected the variability of transrectal SWE.

Keywords

• elastography
• ultrasound
• prostate
• tissue elasticity imaging