Objective: To study the factors that influence the measurement of median nerve elasticity, to provide a more reproducible test for the assessment of median nerve elasticity using shear wave elasticity (SWE), and to reduce operator empirical dependence. To compare the repeatability of the median nerve elasticity measurement using immersion SWE with that using contact SWE, analyze the factors affecting SWE measurement, and provide a more repeatable method for doctors without SWE operation experience. Methods: Two doctors without SWE operation experience measured the median nerve mean elastic modulus (Emean) at the same position and at different time points on the right wrist of 58 healthy volunteers using immersion and contact ultrasound methods. The intraobserver and interobserver repeatability of measurements was assessed using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), while the repeatability was assessed using the Bland–Altman diagram. Results: The intraobserver and interobserver repeatability of the median nerve elasticity measured via contact SWE by inexperienced operators were classified as good, with ICCs of 0.633 (95% CI 0.380–0.783) and 0.552 (95% CI 0.243–0.735), respectively. The intraobserver and interobserver repeatability of the median nerve elasticity measured by immersion SWE were very good, with ICCs of 0.975 (95% CI 0.958–0.985) and 0.942 (95% CI 0.902–0.966), respectively. The intraobserver and interobserver Bland–Altman diagram of median nerve elasticity measured by immersion SWE showed that 98% of the points fell within the 95% limits of agreement. The intraobserver and interobserver Bland–Altman diagram of median nerve elasticity measured by contact SWE showed that 94% of the points fell within the 95% limits of agreement. Conclusion: Immersion ultrasound can improve the repeatability of median nerve elasticity measurements by inexperienced operators.

This study aimed to compare the repeatability and diagnostic efficiency of shear wave elastography (SWE) while using coupling gel and gel pads in the diagnosis of superficial breast lesions. Two experienced sonographers, trained in SWE, used different methods to perform the maximum Young's modulus (Emax) measurement of the lesion while using coupling gel SWE and gel pad SWE at different time points. All 80 lesions were in the superficial layer of the breast. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver repeatability. Meanwhile, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was used to calculate the sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve of the two methods. In the 80 breast lesions, the intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of SWE measurements using coupling gel were considered good, and the ICCs were 0.728 (95% CI: 0.509-0.813) and 0.702 (95% CI: 0.492-0.795), respectively. The intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of the SWE measured by the gel pad were also considered good, and the ICCs were 0.745 (95% CI: 0.501-0.801) and 0.713 (95% CI: 0.498-0.802), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve were 0.711 and 0.737, 0.929 and 0.905, and 0.873 and 0.878, respectively. In the SWE measurement of superficial breast lesions, the use of a gel pad does not affect the repeatability and diagnostic efficiency of the measurement.

To reduce the empirical dependence of ultrasound measurement of the cephalic vein diameter, improve the repeatability of measurements for inexperienced operators, and provide a new method for inexp...

Background: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) and carotid artery elasticity using ultra-fast pulse wave velocity (UFPWV) technology. Early detection of alterations in carotid artery elasticity, coupled with the prompt implementation of intervention strategies, can effectively decrease the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Methods: Patients with CAVD were recruited from the University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University and placed in the observation group. Meanwhile, an equivalent number of patients with non-calcified aortic valve disease were recruited as controls. All participants underwent comprehensive health assessments, including measurements of blood lipids, fasting blood sugar, and other biochemical indicators. Additionally, bilateral carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured, as well as pulse wave velocity (PWV) at the beginning of systole (PWV-BS) and the end of systole (PWV-ES). Differences in various indicators between the two groups were analyzed, and the factors associated with CAVD and carotid artery elasticity were investigated. The correlation between CAVD and carotid artery elasticity was also evaluated. Results: Patients with CAVD exhibited significantly higher CIMT, PWV-BS, and PWV-ES levels than those with non-calcified aortic valve disease (p < 0.01). PWV-BS and PWV-ES showed progressive increases according to the severity of calcification. Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease and PWV-BS were all identified as independent risk factors for CAVD. The risk factors associated with PWV-BS include hypertension, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, total cholesterol, and homocysteine (p < 0.05 for all). The risk factors related to PWV-ES include hypertension, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, total cholesterol, and glycated hemoglobin (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: UFPWV technology is a novel method for the early diagnosis of carotid elasticity. Evaluating carotid artery atherosclerosis in patients with CAVD may lead to earlier detection and intervention and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events.