title: Cervical ultrasound elastography may hold potential to predict risk of preterm birth.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Freehand ultrasound real-time elastography (RTE) is a simple technique allowing direct visualization of the elastogramme superimposed on the B-mode -image. The objective of RTE is to investigate stiffness and related parameters such as local tissue strain with a view to adding new information related to tissue morphology and architecture.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a pilot study in 12 healthy pregnant women who underwent transvaginal ultrasound. The RTE (Hitachi) information was colour-coded and superimposed on the B-mode scan. Elastography images were analyzed by means of a software tool to identify thresholds for the colours red (soft), green (medium hard) and blue (hard). The cervical strain rate was measured in three different parts. Additional information obtained included age of gestation, number of pregnancies and deliveries, previous preterm births and gestational age at delivery in current pregnancy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The softness of cervix increases towards portio. Within the colour spectrum, green was predominant. Strain ratio can be used as a comparative index among different subjects rather than as an absolute strain measurement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The elastographic image allowed for easy correlation between colour distribution and the anatomical structures as it is superimposed on the B-mode image. The elasticity of the cervix increases towards portio.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Not relevant.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Not relevant.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and gynaecology, Lillebaelt Hospital, Kolding Sygehus, 6000 Kolding, Denmark. khalildk@hotmail.com
authors: Mohammed R
authors: MR
authors: Khalil
authors: Poul
authors: P
authors: Thorsen
authors: Niels
authors: N
authors: Uldbjerg
mesh_terms: D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D054459:Elasticity Imaging Techniques; D019160:Endosonography; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002581:Uterine Cervical Incompetence / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*