Browsing > By author > Rouvière Olivier

Dynamic elastography uses an imaging system to visualise the propagation of elastic waves,
the speed of which is directly related to the elasticity felt by palpation. Very few studies
have focused on X-ray elastography because of the technical challenges it poses: a planar
image of an integration volume at a very slow sampling rate. We demonstrate that tracking
a slow elastic wave guided along a one-dimensional structure is the solution. The recently
discovered flexural pulse wave, which is naturally generated by heartbeats and propagates
along arteries, is the perfect candidate for X-ray elastography. As it reflects the cardiovascular
health of patients, arterial elasticity is a biomarker of high clinical interest. We first validate
the method by measuring the elasticity in arteries phantom using X-Ray. We then move on to
data obtained in vivo on coronary arteries during a routine angiography examination. During
coronary angiography, a catheter is used to inject an X-ray contrast dye into the patient's
aorta. X-rays are then taken as the dye spreads through the coronary arteries. It shows the
movement of the coronary arteries for a few seconds and allows us to follow the natural
flexural pulse waves. The obtained Young's moduli for two patients are E = 41 ± 29 kPa and
E = 12 ± 9 kPa respectively. These preliminary results are expected to pave the way for
X-ray elastography.