Real-time elastography evaluation of differential penetrating liver trauma in a rabbit model

Background

Real-time ultrasound elastography (RTE) is used to examine liver fibrosis and benign and malignant lesions, but its use for the diagnosis of liver trauma has not been examined. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of RTE for the evaluation of differential penetrating liver trauma in a rabbit model.

Material and methods

Eighty New Zealand rabbits were divided into 2 groups. In one group, a single incision (type “-” lesion) was made, and in the other group a hash mark incision (type “#” lesion) was made (about 0.5 cm in depth; 1.0–2.0 cm in length). RTE was performed at 10, 30, and 60 min after injury.

Results

There were no differences in mean RTE scores between the 2 types of lesions at 10 and 30 min. However, the mean values for the 2 types of lesions increased from 10 min to 60 min (type ‘-’ lesion: 0.88 ± 0.32 to 2.06 ± 0.88; type ‘#’ lesion: 0.89 ± 0.34 to 2.63 ± 1.16). At 60 min, the mean elasticity score in the type ‘#’ lesion group was significantly higher than in the type ‘-’ lesion group (P < .001). Strain ratios were not different between the groups at each time point, but in each group the values decreased from the 10 min time point to the 60 min time point (P-value for the trends, <.001).

Conclusions

RTE may be able to distinguish mild or severe penetrating liver trauma at 60 min or more after injury.