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Normal values of spleen stiffness in healthy children assessed by acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI): comparison between two ultrasound transducers

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Abstract

Background

Portal hypertension, a major complication of hepatic fibrosis, can affect the stiffness of the spleen.

Objective

To suggest normal values of spleen stiffness determined by acoustic radiation force impulse imaging in healthy children and to compare measurements using two different US probes.

Materials and methods

In a prospective study, 60 healthy children between 1 day and 14 years of age were assigned to four age groups with 15 children in each. Measurements were performed using two transducers (convex 4C1 and linear 9L4), and 10 measurements were obtained in each child, 5 with each probe.

Results

The mean splenic shear wave velocities were 2.17 m/s (SD 0.35, 95% CI 2.08–2.26) with the 4C1 probe and 2.15 m/s (SD 0.23, 95% CI 2.09–2.21) with the 9L4 probe (not significant).

Conclusion

We found normal values for spleen stiffness with no difference in the mean values obtained using two types of US transducers, but with higher variability using a convex compared to a linear transducer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiology Department, Hospital Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Joaquín Rodrigo 2, 2822, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain

    Teresa Cañas, Teresa Fontanilla & María Miralles

  2. Department of Methodology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Juan del Rosal, 10, 28040, Madrid, Spain

    Araceli Maciá

  3. Pediatrics Department, Hospital Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain

    Ana Malalana & Enriqueta Román

Authors
  1. Teresa Cañas
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  2. Teresa Fontanilla
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  3. María Miralles
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  4. Araceli Maciá
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  5. Ana Malalana
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  6. Enriqueta Román
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Correspondence to Teresa Cañas.

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Cañas, T., Fontanilla, T., Miralles, M. et al. Normal values of spleen stiffness in healthy children assessed by acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI): comparison between two ultrasound transducers. Pediatr Radiol 45, 1316–1322 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-015-3306-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-015-3306-z

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