Vishnu Raj; Arun Kumar Mohanakrishnan; Iffath Misbah; Paarthipan Natarajan
Abstract
Introduction: This study assesses the role of ultrasound elastography in distinguishing between malignant and benign focal liver lesions (FLLs), a crucial challenge in gastroenterology.Methodology: ...
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Introduction: This study assesses the role of ultrasound elastography in distinguishing between malignant and benign focal liver lesions (FLLs), a crucial challenge in gastroenterology.Methodology: Executed in a tertiary care hospital in South India, the research included 50 subjects, predominantly male. The inclusion criteria were patients with FLLs identified via ultrasound, excluding lactating or pregnant women and individuals with previously treated lesions. Shear wave elastography (SWE) was the primary used method, with independent sample t-tests and Chi-Square tests for statistical analysis of elastographic parameters.Results: Among the lesions, 78% were malignant. Notable differences were observed in stiffness value, stiffness ratio, and shear wave velocity (SWV), with a stiffness cut-off of 16.4 kPa indicating 79.10% sensitivity and 85.70% specificity.Discussion: The study's findings align with existing literature, underscoring the utility of SWE in differentiating lesion types. This reinforces the elastography value in clinical diagnostics, especially in accurately categorizing liver lesions, thereby guiding appropriate medical interventions.Conclusion: Ultrasound elastography, specifically through SWE, demonstrates significant effectiveness in distinguishing between malignant and benign FLLs, offering a promising tool for accurate clinical diagnosis. Future studies with diverse patient groups and lesion types are essential to expand the utility and applicability of this diagnostic technique.
