Table 2.
Comprehensive comparison of non-invasive techniques for PH assessment: TE, SWE, and DUS.
| Characteristic | TE | SWE | DUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Principle | Probe-generated shear-wave speed | Real-time shear-wave speed from US push | Spectral/colour Doppler blood-flow analysis |
| Ease of Use | Dedicated device, moderate complexity | Same US session, minimal extra time | Standard US platform, widely available |
| Accuracy | Moderate (F4 good; F2-F3 limited) | High (F1–F4 reliable) | Moderate for fibrosis; good for hemodynamic signs of PH |
| Reproducibility | Moderate | High | Operator- and patient-dependent |
| Main Clinical Role | Fibrosis staging; PH screening | Fibrosis staging; PH screening & follow-up | PH screening (PVV, HVV), variceal surveillance |
| Key Limitations | Obesity, inflammation, ascites | Higher cost, vendor variation | Limited sensitivity for early fibrosis |
PH, Portal Hypertension; TE, Transient Elastography; SWE, Shear Wave Elastography; DUS, Doppler Ultrasound; PVV, Portal Vein Velocity; HVV, Hepatic Vein Waveform.