Safety considerations for shear-wave elastography of the infant brain

Excerpt

In this issue of Pediatric Radiology, El-Ali et al. [1] presented their experience of using shear-wave elastography with cranial ultrasound of the infant brain. The article points to the need for two considerations with regard to neurosonography. First, there is the potential for shear-wave elastography (SWE) to contribute to the diagnostic capabilities of US imaging in the evaluation of the neonatal brain. The ability to perform exquisite US imaging through the anterior fontanelle is useful as a means to assess the brain and identify pathology. The addition of SWE as an US imaging mode and measurement has been proven effective in the assessment of liver stiffness so it is only logical to examine whether the same capabilities can be found in the neonatal brain. Second, the expanded use of SWE to the neonatal brain points to the range of applications where ultrasonography can be used — and the need to ensure that we have adequate education on the safety aspects of ultrasonography. Because the brain is a particularly sensitive organ, we have an obligation not only to find the best diagnostic methodologies but to utilize these in the safest possible way by understanding the benefits and risks. …