Measurement variability in two-dimensional shear wave elastography (SWE) of common carotid artery (CCA)

Abstract

Background: Recently, vascular shear wave elastography (SWE) applications have gained the interest and shown potential clinical value. However, there is limited evidence about the variability in Young’s modulus (YM) estimates. The purpose of this study was to quantify sources of variability associated with SWE measurements in common carotid artery (CCA). Results: Mean YM of both anterior proximal and distal region of interest (ROIs) of the right CCA was significantly different (61 kPa vs 55.6 kPa; p < 0.001). Mean YM of anterior and posterior proximal and distal ROIs of the left side was significantly different (58.9 kPa vs 52.4 kPa; p < 0.001). Mean YM of right anterior and posterior proximal and distal ROIs was significantly different (58.3 kPa vs 51 kPa; p < 0.001). Conclusions: US SWE was able to assess YM in CCAs although YM measurements were highly variable. The difference between YM between anterior and posterior walls is attributed to an artifact of the SWE technique that has not previously been reported and requires further investigation.