Strain Elastography (SE) for liver fibrosis estimation - which elastic score to calculate?

Liver fibrosis scoring by liver biopsy has become a rarity in daily practice mainly because many non-invasive methods with similar accuracy have been developed. Among all ultrasound elastography imaging methods, Strain Elastography (SE) is the most widely available. Although SE is a qualitative and semi-quantitative method, there is reliable applicability for liver fibrosis estimation and multiple ways to transform SE into a quantitative method, in order to obtain a fibrosis score.

The influence of acute physical effort on liver stiffness estimation using Virtual Touch Quantification (VTQ). Preliminary results.

Aim: Food intake and acutely decompensated cardiac failure may impair liver stiffness estimations, mainly because these methods are influenced by liver blood flow variation encountered in these conditions. It is well known that also during physical effort liver blood flow changes, due to the redistribution of blood flow mainly to the skeletal muscles. The aim of this study is to assess the change of liver shear- wave velocities immediately after cessation of an acute physical effort.

Influence of Food Intake on 2-D Shear Wave Elastography Assessment of Liver Stiffness in Healthy Subjects.

Transient elastography and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse imaging are useful non-invasive methods for liver stiffness estimation, although both are influenced by food intake. The aim of the work described here was to identify liver stiffness variation after a standardized meal using 2-D shear wave elastography. Liver stiffness was estimated in 31 apparently healthy subjects, under fasting conditions and after a standardized meal (20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 min after food intake).

Ultrasonography of desmoplatic fibroma of the mandible; a case report.

Desmoplastic fibroma (DF) is a very rare bone tumor, classified as a benign lesion. It might be locally a very aggressive tumor with a high rate of recurrence after surgical resection. We present a case of a 3-year and 6 month-old patient, with mandibular desmoplastic fibroma.

Characterization and staging of rectal tumors: endoscopic ultrasound versus MRI / CT. Pictorial essay.

Endoscopic ultrasound is recommended for rectal cancer staging. Transrectal ultrasound approach is able to overcome one of the limitations of this technique regarding circumferential rectal stenosis. Prior intrarectal administration of a small amount of fluid contrast agent optimizes the method, making it easier to distinguish the layers of the rectal wall and tumor formation.

Endoscopic ultrasound for the characterization and staging of rectal cancer. Current state of the method. Technological advances and perspectives.

Endoscopic ultrasound is the most accurate type of examination for the assessment of rectal tumors. Over the years, the method has advanced from gray-scale examination to intravenous contrast media administration and to different types of elastography. The multimodal approach of tumors (transrectal, transvaginal) is adapted to each case.