elastografisia

Elastography is a medical imaging technique used to determine the stiffness of tissue. It is a non-invasive method that can be used to assess the mechanical properties of organs and lesions. The principle behind elastography is that stiffer tissues deform less than softer tissues when subjected to a force. This force can be applied externally, such as by a transducer, or generated internally by the body, such as by the pulsatile flow of blood.

There are several types of elastography, including shear wave elastography (SWE) and strain elastography. SWE uses acoustic radiation force pulses to generate shear waves that propagate through the tissue. The speed of these shear waves is measured, which is directly related to the tissue's stiffness. Strain elastography, on the other hand, measures the deformation of tissue in response to external compression.

Elastography is commonly used in the assessment of liver fibrosis, where increased stiffness indicates scarring. It is also employed in the evaluation of breast lesions, thyroid nodules, and prostate cancer, helping to differentiate between benign and malignant tissues. The technique is typically performed using ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. Its ability to provide quantitative measurements of tissue stiffness makes it a valuable tool in diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions.