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Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association2025; 66(3); e70052; doi: 10.1111/vru.70052

Use of 2D-Shear Wave Elastography for the Evaluation of Lens in Horses.

Abstract: Although lens diseases are uncommon in horses, they can be disabling in advanced stages. The B-mode ultrasound is useful for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of ocular diseases such as cataracts. Elastography is an ultrasonographic technique that allows the detection and measurement of tissue stiffness. This observational cohort prospective study aimed to determine the feasibility, reproducibility, and repeatability of 2D-shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) of lenses in horses. Forty-six eyes of 23 horses with no evidence of ocular disease were included in this study. The horses underwent an ophthalmic examination to ensure that they were healthy. After the B-mode ultrasound examination, 2D-SWE was performed by two operators with different levels of experience in diagnostic imaging. Elastographic images were independently analyzed quantitatively by two observers by measuring the shear wave velocity (m/s) and Young's modulus (kPa). Considering both right and left eyes, the mean shear wave velocity was 4.08 ± 0.71 m/s, and the mean Young's modulus was 51.30 ± 19.02 kPa. Interoperator and intraoperator agreements were excellent. The intra-observer agreement was good, with only one value for each observer that presented statistically significant differences. No statistically significant differences were observed between the right and left eyes. The excellent reliability, reproducibility, and good repeatability between evaluators make 2D-SWE a practical and reproducible technique that can be applied in clinical settings, where different sonographers often obtain images on multiple separate occasions. Our findings support the future clinical application of 2D-SW elastography as a noninvasive imaging modality for normal lens evaluation in horses.
© 2025 American College of Veterinary Radiology.
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Publication Date: 2025-05-23 PubMed ID: 40407039DOI: 10.1111/vru.70052Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article reports on the potential usage of 2D-Shear Wave Elastography (2D-SWE), a noninvasive imaging modality, to successfully and reliably measure the stiffness of the lens in horses, offering a promising tool for diagnosing and monitoring lens diseases such as cataracts.

Objective of the Study

  • The research’s primary objective was to investigate the usefulness, reproducibility, and repeatability of the 2D-shape wave elastography in examining the lenses in horses. Despite lens diseases in horses being rare, in advanced stages, they can cause severe health problems necessitating effective diagnostic tools.

Research Methodology

  • The study understood the potential of 2D-SWE through a prospective observational collection procedure involving 46 eyes of 23 horses with no evidence of any ocular disease.
  • Each of these horses went through an ophthalmic test to confirm their health status.
  • Post the B-mode ultrasound analysis, 2D-SWE was carried out by two operators with different levels of diagnostic imaging expertise.
  • The elastographic images obtained were analysed independently by two separate observers by measuring the shear wave velocity (m/s) and Young’s modulus (kPa).

Results of the Study

  • The average shear wave velocity was found to be around 4.08 ± 0.71 m/s, and the average Young’s modulus was about 51.30 ± 19.02 kPa.
  • The results showed no statistically significant changes between the left and right eyes.
  • The study found excellent inter-operator and intra-operator agreements making the technique highly reliable and repeatable.
  • Only one value for each observer showed statistically significant differences, demonstrating a good intra-observer agreement.

Significance of the Findings

  • The study demonstrates that 2D-SWE could be incorporated into the clinical setting as a practical and reproducible technique.
  • Due to its strong reliability, more than one specialist can use it to obtain images at different times, making it a promising tool for patient follow-up and treatment progression tracking.
  • The research supports the potential future clinical application of 2D-SW elastography as a novel, noninvasive imaging modality for normal lens evaluation in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Bandera L, Guerri G, Straticò P, Pincelli MC, Celani G, Varasano V, Vignoli M, Petrizzi L. (2025). Use of 2D-Shear Wave Elastography for the Evaluation of Lens in Horses. Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 66(3), e70052. https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.70052

Publication

Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association
ISSN: 1740-8261
NlmUniqueID: 9209635
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 66
Issue: 3
Pages: e70052

Researcher Affiliations

Bandera, Lorenza
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio Teramo, Italy.
Guerri, Giulia
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio Teramo, Italy.
Straticò, Paola
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio Teramo, Italy.
Pincelli, Maria Cristina
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio Teramo, Italy.
Celani, Gianluca
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio Teramo, Italy.
Varasano, Vincenzo
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio Teramo, Italy.
Vignoli, Massimo
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio Teramo, Italy.
Petrizzi, Lucio
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio Teramo, Italy.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Elasticity Imaging Techniques / veterinary
  • Elasticity Imaging Techniques / methods
  • Prospective Studies
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Lens, Crystalline / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Male
  • Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Feasibility Studies

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