Short summary

This is a diagnostic accuracy study investigating Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography ability to differentiate between malign and benign subpleural lung parenchymal consolidations. The study aim to include 180 patient from February 2023 to September 2023. Population will consist of patients admitted at the department of respiratory medicine or followed in the outpatient clinic at Odense University Hospital.

Rationale

Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) is one of multiple different types of ultrasound elastography. SWE is used to visualize record and analyze tissue stiffness with a quantitative outcome. The shear waves measured is a result of acoustic pulse and the transverse displacement of the tissue. The amount of displacement is a result of tissue stiffness with shear waves propagating faster in stiffer tissue resulting in a higher quantitative m/s value. SWE is already a part of clinical assessment of various organs such as liver, breast and skeletal muscles. Few studies have investigated the applicability of SWE in assessment of lung consolidations.

We hypothesize that transthoracic shear wave elastography ultrasound can distinguish between malign and benign lesions. As such, the primary aim of this study will be to establish an optimal cut-off value for evaluation of tumors of suspected malignant origin.

Secondary endpoints will be: - Measurement of elastographic value in healthy aerated lung. - Measurement of difference between electrographic measuring during deep inspiration, deep expiration or spontaneous breathing? - Is there a significant difference of electrographic examination when the patient is in an upright position compared to the patient being horizontal? - Diagnostic accuracy of conventional 2D TUS to differentiate between causes of lung consolidations - Inter and intraobserver agreement of 2D TUS to differentiate between causes of lung consolidations - Inter and intraobserver agreement of elastography measurements of lung consolidations

Description of the cohort

This study will be conducted at the department of respiratory medicine at Odense University Hospital (OUH). The patient population will consist of unselected patients with pulmonary infiltrates who are either admitted to the ward or followed in the outpatient clinic.

Data and biological material

Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography. Patient Journal.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital

• Prof, Senior consultant, Christian B Laursen
• MD, PhD-student, Casper Falster