Point shear wave elastography application in assessment pancreas tissue stiffness: A pilot study

Introduction

Recent advancements in medical imaging, such as point shear wave elastography (pSWE), offer non-invasive methods to assess tissue stiffness and structural changes. This study explores the use of pSWE to evaluate pancreatic stiffness and dimensions in three different pancreas parts.

Methods

This study was conducted at diagnostic radiology department, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, between June 2022 and November,2022. Thirty-one diabetic patients and thirty-one healthy controls were included. Ultrasound pSWE examination was performed using a ultrasound system (Philips Elite Epic 7) to measure stiffness across different pancreatic parts. Pancreatic stiffness was quantified in meters per second (m/s), and the dimensions of each pancreatic part were recorded. Different parameters, including age, sex, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and comorbidities, were collected and analyzed.

Results

Diabetic patients exhibited significantly higher shear wave velocities (SWVs) compared to healthy controls, indicating increased pancreatic stiffness. The mean shear wave velocity was 1.7 m/s in diabetic versus 0.6 m/s in controls (p < 0.001). Additionally, the pancreatic head dimensions were significantly large in diabetic patients (2.1 cm vs. 1.8 cm; p = 0.003), while the body and tail part showed no significant differences. A positive correlation was found between SWVs and BMI.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the potential of pSWE as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for early detection and monitoring of diabetes-related pancreatic alterations. Assessing pancreatic stiffness and dimensions through pSWE can help in identify patients at risk for pancreatic complications and optimize management strategies.

Implications for practice

Point shear wave elastography (pSWE) could be a useful, non-invasive tool for early detection of pancreatic changes in diabetic patients, identifying those at risk for complications. Integrating pSWE into routine diabetes check may enhance early interventions and improve outcomes.