High-Resolution Elastography for Thin-Layer Mechanical Characterization: Toward Skin Investigation
Résumé
Interest in elasticity estimation for thin layers is increasing because of the various potential applications, including dermatology and cosmetology. In this context, we propose a dedicated elastographic system using 1-D high-frequency transient elastography (HF-TE) to estimate the 1-D Young's modulus through the dermis and hypodermis, which are the two human skin layers of interest in this study. An experimental validation of the HF-TE method was first carried out on two homogeneous tissue-mimicking hard and soft phantoms. The Young's modulus values obtained in these phantoms were compared with those obtained by two complementary shear wave propagation techniques: shear wave-induced resonance elastography (SWIRE) and supersonic shear imaging (SSI). A third two-layer thin phantom, with mechanical properties similar to those of skin, was used to validate the ability of HF-TE to distinguish layers and measure elasticity. Finally, preliminary in~vivo experiments conducted on forearm and cheek skin revealed the promising performance of HF-TE in measuring elasticity in the dermis and hypodermis.
Mots clés
- Shear wave-induced resonance elastography
- Cheek skin
- Dedicated elastographic system
- Young's modulus
- Two-layer phantom
- Thin layers
- Supersonic shear imaging
- Skin
- Elastic Modulus
- Shear wave
- Imaging
- Phantoms
- Computer-Assisted
- Image Interpretation
- High-frequency transient elastography
- Forearm skin
- Elasticity Imaging Techniques
- Elasticity