Role of 2D shear wave elastography in assessing chronic kidney disease and its correlation with point shear wave elastography and eGFR

Abstract

The study was conducted with the aim of calculating renal stiffness through shear wave sonoelastography (SWE) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in normal kidneys, to find out a cut off value to differentiate between the two. This cross-sectional study included 80 participants (40 CKD patients and 40 subjects with normal renal function) with eGFR calculated using serum creatinine taken as a biochemical parameter. All participants underwent 2D and point SWE. Values obtained as young's modulus statistical analysis was done. CKD patients had higher mean 2D elasticity of 7.92 kPa (SD ± 1.94) and mean point elasticity of 7.93 kPa (SD ± 3.83) compared to the control group. At a cutoff point of > 5.2, Elast Q provides the reliable balance between sensitivity (95%) and specificity (97.5%) for predicting CKD. To conclude, Young's modulus values derived by 2D and point SWE found to be greater in diseased kidneys than healthy kidneys. 2D SWE (Elast Q) outperforms point SWE (Elast PQ) in predicting CKD due to its higher area under the curve, better sensitivity, specificity making it more reliable diagnostic tool for CKD.

Keywords: 2D elastography; Chronic kidney disease; Estimated glomerular filtration rate; Shear wave elastography.