Figure 10b.

Effect of respiration on velocity measurements obtained with the point shear-wave elastographic technique in a healthy 37-year-old female volunteer. Ideally, velocities should be measured during a breath hold in end expiration to minimize liver motion. (a) Point shear-wave elastographic image shows that a velocity of 1.16 m/sec was measured for a sample obtained during end expiration, which is the appropriate technique. (b) Point shear-wave elastographic image shows that a velocity of 1.71 m/sec was measured for a sample obtained during deep inspiration; this higher velocity measurement is due to the increased stiffness of the liver during inspiration because of compression by the diaphragm.