Name of the Procedure:

Ultrasound, elastography; parenchyma (eg, organ)

Summary

Ultrasound elastography is a non-invasive imaging technique that evaluates the stiffness or elasticity of the parenchyma in organs such as the liver, breast, or thyroid. It uses ultrasound waves to create visual and quantitative maps of tissue stiffness, helping to detect and characterize various medical conditions.

Purpose

The procedure is designed to assess the elasticity of organ tissues, which can be a sign of diseases such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, or tumors. The goal is to provide a more detailed understanding of tissue health, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Indications

• Chronic liver disease monitoring, including cirrhosis and fibrosis.
• Evaluation of breast lesions and differentiation between benign and malignant masses.
• Assessment of thyroid nodules to determine the likelihood of malignancy.
• Any clinical scenario where tissue stiffness could provide crucial diagnostic information.

Preparation

Patients may be required to:

• Fast for a few hours before the procedure, especially if the liver is being assessed.
• Avoid certain medications that could interfere with results, as directed by a physician.
• Undergo preliminary imaging tests, such as a standard ultrasound, and lab work to provide additional context.

Procedure Description

1. The patient will lie down on an examination table.
2. A clear gel is applied to the area being examined to facilitate sound wave transmission.
3. The clinician uses an ultrasound transducer to send sound waves into the tissue.
4. Elastography measures the velocity of the waves as they travel through the tissue, creating a visual map of stiffness.
5. These readings are analyzed to determine areas of abnormal stiffness.

Duration

Typically, the procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or specialized imaging center.

Personnel

• Radiologist or sonographer (ultrasound specialist)
• Medical or radiology technician
• Consulting physician for analysis (if required)

Risks and Complications

• Common: Minor discomfort from the transducer pressure.
• Rare: No significant risks or complications are generally associated with ultrasound elastography.

Benefits

• Non-invasive with no need for incisions or anesthesia.
• Provides valuable information about organ health and structure.
• Can help detect diseases at an early stage, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
• Results are available almost immediately.

Recovery

• No downtime is required; patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss results and any necessary treatments.

Alternatives

• MRI Elastography: More detailed but costly and less widely available.
• Liver Biopsy: Invasive but provides definitive histological diagnosis.
• Standard Ultrasound: Less information on tissue stiffness but easier to access.

Each alternative has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of invasiveness, cost, and the type of information provided.

Patient Experience

• The procedure is generally painless, with only mild pressure from the ultrasound transducer.
• Patients may feel slight discomfort from the gel but will remain comfortable throughout.
• The ongoing support and guidance from healthcare professionals ensure a smooth process. Pain management is usually not necessary for this non-invasive procedure.