Shear‐wave elastography of the liver in a healthy pediatric population

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the elastic modulus values of normal liver tissue in school‐age children by shear wave elastography (SWE) and to study the factors that influence these stiffness measurements. Methods Six hundred and four school‐age children (295 girls and 309 boys) who were recruited at a hospital and had normal results of specific laboratory tests and imaging studies underwent SWE examinations. The elastic modulus values were obtained in segment V and VI for each subject and comparisons were made between age groups. Results The mean elastic modulus values for school‐age children were 6.3 ± 1.1 kPa for segment V and 6.2 ± 1.1 kPa for segment VI. A positive linear trend in liver stiffness was found for the 6 to 9‐year‐old age group in segments V and VI (R2 = 0.076 vs R2 = 0.085, respectively, P .05). Conclusion SWE is a feasible method to measure liver stiffness in the school‐age population. We established a normal range of liver elastic modulus values in school‐age children, which will provide a basis for evaluating the changes in liver stiffness caused by various diseases.