Ultrasound elastography (sonoelastography, USE) is a relatively new, rapidly evolving area of imaging that measures elasticity of tissues. Its development started in the last decade of the 20th century and was accelerated after devices allowing real-time imaging and quantification (shear wave elastography, SWE) became broadly available for clinical practise. First results suggest that combination of sonoelastography and conventional ultrasound gives more precise results than ultrasound alone in certain areas. In head and neck imaging, just a few mostly pilot studies have been published till January 2014. This article summarizes available information about sonoelastography and current view on USE imaging in otorhinolaryngology.
Keywords: elastography - lymph nodes - salivary glands - shear wave - ultrasound..