Predictive value of comb-push ultrasound shear elastography for the differentiation of reactive and metastatic axillary lymph nodes: A preliminary investigation

Objectives To evaluate the predictive performance of comb-push ultrasound shear elastography for the differentiation of reactive and metastatic axillary lymph nodes. Methods From June 2014 through September 2018, 114 female volunteers (mean age 58.1 +/- 13.3 years; range 28-88 years) with enlarged axillary lymph nodes identified by palpation or clinical imaging were prospectively enrolled in the study. Mean, standard deviation and maximum shear wave elastography parameters from 117 lymph nodes were obtained and compared to fine needle aspiration biopsy results. Mann-Whitney U test and ROC curve analysis were performed. Results The axillary lymph nodes were classified as reactive or metastatic based on the fine needle aspiration outcomes. A statistically significant difference between reactive and metastatic axillary lymph nodes was observed based on comb-push ultrasound shear elastography (CUSE) results (p