Vävnadselastografi

Vävnadselastografi, also known as tissue elastography, is a non-invasive medical imaging technique used to assess the mechanical properties of biological tissues. It measures tissue stiffness, or elasticity, by applying external force or vibration and observing the resulting deformation or wave propagation. Different tissues have varying inherent stiffness, and changes in this property can indicate disease. For example, stiffening of tissue can be a sign of fibrosis, inflammation, or tumors.

The technique relies on the principle that elastic materials deform when a force is applied and return to their original shape when the force is removed. In elastography, this force can be generated in various ways. Some methods use external palpation or acoustic radiation force to induce strain, while others utilize the body's natural physiological movements or vibrations. The resulting tissue deformation or wave speed is then measured using imaging modalities such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Ultrasound elastography is a widely used form of tissue elastography. It typically involves applying gentle compression to the tissue with the ultrasound transducer and analyzing the resulting displacement. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) uses MRI to visualize the propagation of mechanical waves induced in the tissue.

Vävnadselastografi has found significant applications in various medical fields. In liver disease, it is used to assess the degree of fibrosis, helping to monitor disease progression and guide treatment decisions. It is also employed in breast imaging to characterize suspicious lesions, differentiating between benign and malignant masses. Other applications include assessing thyroid nodules, prostate cancer detection, and evaluating muscle disorders. The ability to quantify tissue stiffness non-invasively makes elastography a valuable tool for diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring treatment response.