Feasibility and reproducibility of ShearWaveTM elastography of fetal baboon organs

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and reproducibility of transabdominal ShearWaveTM elastographyof fetal organs in pregnant baboons. Materials and methods Fetal ultrasounds of all pregnant baboonsin a single primate research center were performed prospectively during 9 months. The visualization of fetal targeted organs (liver, proximal and distal lungs, brain white matter and periventricular gray matter) was initially performed using 2D ultrasound, and then elastographymode was activated. For each organ, three measurements were carried out by two operators. Intra-observer and inter-observer intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated. Results During the study period (03/2013–12/2013), 21 pregnant baboons(21 fetuses) were included. One to three ultrasound scanswere performed for each fetus. The measurements were feasible by the two operators in all cases. The intra-observer and inter-observer ICC were 0.654, 95% CI (0.606 to 0.699) and 0.645, 95% CI (0.553 to 0.721) respectively. Conclusion Transabdominal ShearWaveTM Elastographyof fetal organs can be achieved in pregnant baboons. The intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility is correct but vary according to the targeted organs. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.