High-Resolution Elastography for Thin-Layer Mechanical Characterization: Toward Skin Investigation

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology, Volume 43, Issue 3
Author(s): Caroline Chartier, Yassine Mofid, Cécile Bastard, Véronique Miette, Annabel Maruani, Laurent Machet, Frédéric Ossant
Interest in elasticity estimation for thin layers is increasing because of the various potential applications, including dermatology and cosmetology. In this context, we propose a dedicated elastographic system using 1-D high-frequency transient elastography (HF-TE) to estimate the 1-D Young's modulus through the dermis and hypodermis, which are the two human skin layers of interest in this study. An experimental validation of the HF-TE method was first carried out on two homogeneous tissue-mimicking hard and soft phantoms. The Young's modulus values obtained in these phantoms were compared with those obtained by two complementary shear wave propagation techniques: shear wave-induced resonance elastography (SWIRE) and supersonic shear imaging (SSI). A third two-layer thin phantom, with mechanical properties similar to those of skin, was used to validate the ability of HF-TE to distinguish layers and measure elasticity. Finally, preliminary in vivo experiments conducted on forearm and cheek skin revealed the promising performance of HF-TE in measuring elasticity in the dermis and hypodermis.



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