Sonoelastography Usage Among German DEGUM-Certified Breast Ultrasound Specialists

Abstract

Sonoelastography is a feasible and helpful method in the evaluation of breast lesions. A significant number of German ultrasound specialists already apply this technology today. We expect a growing number of sonographers to perform sonoelastography in the near future, provided that they have the necessary ultrasound system and that they are trained in the method. Evidence from the literature and the recommendations of the medical societies support this development.

Importance of Transvaginal Elastography in the Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids and Adenomyosis

“…The results are promising and it can be assumed that elastography will be established as a diagnostic tool in the future. Among others, elastography has been shown to improve the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions [8,13] and nowadays 21 % of German breast ultrasound specialists are applying sonoelastography in the diagnosis of breast lesions [14]. The first studies have just been published on the assessment of cervical stiffness in pregnancy and the related risk of preterm birth [15,16].…”

Importance of Transvaginal Ultrasound Applying Elastography for Identifying Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis – A Feasibility Study

“…A significant number (21.2 %) of German ultrasound specialists are already using elastography to evaluate breast lesions. A further increase is expected [12]. Other areas of application are improvements in the diagnosis of prostate cancer, the evaluation of liver stiffness, and the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant cervical lymph nodes or thyroid nodules [11, 13 -16].…”