Elasticity Imaging 101

Ultrasound elasticity imaging (EI) was introduced in the early 1990s but is still a relatively new technique in the field of breast ultrasound as it is not used routinely in the clinical setting. Elastography offers many different features that may help radiologists to obtain more information regarding a detected lesion. By using elastography, the radiologist may be able to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions. Despite the advantages that elastography may be able to offer, there are also some disadvantages of the technology such as operator variability, difficulty of elastography image interpretation, and many different looks of elastography images depending on vendor and also different types of the elastography technique. This article will provide insight on ultrasound EI for the radiology nurse who may assist with procedures or educate patients.