Detection of changes in cervical softness using shear wave speed in early vs. late pregnancy: an in vivo cross-sectional study
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the ability of Shear Wave Elasticity Imaging (SWEI) to detect changes in cervical softness between early and late pregnancy. Using a cross-sectional study design, shear wave speed (SWS) measurements were obtained from women in the 1st trimester (5-14 weeks gestation) and compared to estimates from a previous study of women at term (37-41 weeks). Two sets of 5 SWS measurements were made using commercial SWEI applications on an ultrasound system equipped with a prototype catheter transducer (128 elements, 3mm diameter, 14mm aperture). Average SWS estimates were 4.42±0.32 m/s (n=12) for 1st trimester and 2.13±0.66 m/s (n = 18) for 3rd trimester (p<0.0001). The AUC was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.82-0.99) with a sensitivity and specificity of 83%. SWS estimates indicated that the 3rd trimester cervix is significantly softer than the 1st trimester cervix. SWEI methods may be promising for assessing changes in cervical softness.
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