Background Ultrasound attenuation imaging (ATI) is a valuable tool for assessing liver tissue
and diagnosing hepatic steatosis, a condition affecting 20-30% of the Western population.
This study compares ATI measurements using a linear probe versus a conventional convex
probe in healthy volunteers to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of the linear
probe for liver assessment.
Methods Thirty-three healthy volunteers (19 females, 14 males, aged 24.5-63.3 years) were
recruited. Ultrasound measurements were performed using a TUS-AI800 scanner with both
convex and linear probes. Measurements were taken at 1 cm below the liver capsule,
with repeated sessions 4-5 weeks apart to assess repeatability. Statistical analysis
included unpaired t-tests and calculations of intraobserver variability.
Results The ATI values for the linear probe ranged from 0.49 to 0.85 dB/cm/MHz, which is
comparable to the convex probe's range of 0.50 to 0.89 dB/cm/MHz. The depth had
a significant impact on the measurements; for the convex probe, attenuation values
decreased with greater depths, while for the linear probe, they increased. The size
of the region of interest (ROI) affected the measurements obtained with the convex
probe but did not have an effect on those from the linear probe. Intraobserver variability
was found to be 6.1% for the convex probe and 5.0% for the linear probe.
Conclusion ATI measurements using a linear probe are feasible and yield values comparable to
those obtained with a convex probe, although depth and ROI size significantly influence
the results. The linear probe shows promise for superficial liver assessments and
other superficial tissues. Further research is needed to establish protocols and validate
findings in patients with liver disease.
