Ultrasonographic examination of the endometrium and myometrium using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging technology: An initial experience with a new method

PURPOSE: Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging technology provides measurable values of the elasticity/stiffness of the tissues examined. This work is a pilot study to determine the shear wave velocity values of normal endometrium and myometrium in healthy asymptomatic women. METHODS: In a prospective observational study that recruited asymptomatic women, we used the ARFI (Virtual Touch tissue quantification™; Siemens Medical Solutions) to examine six different points in the uterus of each woman; two points in the endometrium and four points in the myometrium. Two readings were obtained at each of the examined points to test the intra-observer reproducibility. RESULTS: A total of 32 women were recruited. The age range was 19-68 years with a median age of 42 years. The menopausal status did not have any significant influence on the shear wave velocity measurements. The mean readings in the endometrium were 1.96, 2.03, 2.04 and 2.08 m/s while in the myometrium they were 2.78, 2.85, 2.87, 2.89, 2.91, 2.99, 3.2 and 3.23 m/s, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The ARFI procedure is a novel, reproducible ultrasonographic modality that can provide information about tissue stiffness. Transvaginal transducers fitted with this technology are sought as well as larger studies validating our findings.