Shear wave elastography of the spleen using elastography point quantification: stiffness values in healthy children

Purpose To evaluate the shear wave elastography (SWE) values of the spleen in healthy children using Elastography Point Quantification (ElastPQ). Methods In this IRB approved prospective study, spleen stiffness was measured in 146 healthy children (2-15 years) using ElastPQ. SWE values were recorded in upper pole, mid pole, and lower pole of the spleen in all the children. Results The mean (+/- SD) SWE values of the spleen in children in <= 5 years age group, > 5-10 years age group, and > 10-15 years age group were 5.6 (+/- 4.2) kPa, 6.5 (+/- 3.2) kPa, and 5.9 (+/- 3.6) kPa, respectively. No statistically significant difference was seen in SWE values of the spleen between these three groups (p > 0.5). The mean (+/- SD) SWE values in <= 10 years and > 10 years age group were 6.1 (+/- 3.6) kPa and 5.9 (+/- 2.6) kPa, respectively. No statistically significant difference was seen in SWE values of the spleen between these two groups (p > 0.5). There was no significant difference in the SWE values for boys and girls. Statistically significant difference was seen between the mean SWE values in the two groups based on the median splenic length, which was 5.5 (+/- 3.8) kPa in the group with a length of <= 7.6 cm and 6.7 (+/- 2.8) kPa in the group with a length of > 7.6 cm. Conclusion SWE values of the spleen in healthy children do not correlate with age, and no significant difference is there in the SWE values for boys and girls. There was a statistically significant difference in the SWE values of the spleen while comparing the groups based on the median splenic length.