# Comparison Between Strain and 2D Shear Wave Elastography of Testes in Healthy Dogs

## TL;DR

This study compares two ultrasound techniques to measure testicular stiffness in healthy dogs, finding both methods useful for clinical use.

## Contribution

The study provides a direct comparison of strain and 2D SWE elastography in healthy canine testes, establishing baseline data.

## Key findings

- Strain elastography showed stiffness differences in testicular regions above and below the mediastinum.
- 2D SWE measured a mean stiffness of 1.3 to 1.4 m/s, consistent with prior literature.
- Both techniques are valid for assessing testicular stiffness in dogs with specific technical considerations.

## Abstract

Sonoelastography is a rapid and non-invasive ultrasound-based technique to assess tissue elasticity. This work aimed to compare two different techniques, strain elastography and 2D SWE, on healthy canine testes, to provide a baseline for future studies and compare the data with the currently available literature. A total of 30 testes were included, with complete B-mode, SE and 2D SWE examinations. SE evidenced a difference between testes portions above and below the mediastinum, which was partially detected by 2D SWE. The results herein described are consistent with the literature on human and veterinary medicine, thus making these two techniques valid in clinical practice when taking into account their specific technical peculiarities.

Sonoelastography is a rapid and non-invasive ultrasound-based technique to assess tissue elasticity. Interest in this technique’s application in veterinary medicine is progressively increasing, with preliminary reports also available to assess canine testicular parenchyma abnormalities. Since elastographic techniques are different and it is of paramount importance to standardize procedures, this work aimed to compare two different elastographic techniques, SE and 2D SWE, on the same testes and compare the data with the current literature. Thirty healthy canine testes were included, and complete B-mode, color and power Doppler examinations were performed on each one. SE was performed qualitatively through an elastogram evaluation and semiquantitatively comparing the parenchyma with peripheral skin. 2D SWE was performed and m/s measurements were taken. Each measurement was collected in the cranial, middle and caudal portions, considering the sections above and below the mediastinum separately. The healthy testes appeared to be intermediate in stiffness with differences in the various portions for SE and expressed a mean value from 1.3 m/s to 1.4 m/s for 2D SWE, consistent with the previous literature. Considering the technical specifics of the software for the two elastography methods, both of them are valuable in assessing canine testis stiffness and are potentially clinically appliable.