In vivo evaluation of cervical stiffness evolution during induced ripening using shear waves elastography: insight from an animal model

摘要

First, elastography measurements of the cervix obtained using the SSI technique were highly reproducible. Second, stiffness of the uterine cervix was observed to decrease throughout the maturation process induced by the dexamethasone injection. Finally, it was possible to quantify the decrease of stiffness through the cervical maturation process. Elastography may be a valuable method to quantify objectively and noninvasively the cervical stiffness in vivo, and ultimately could be a useful tool for the diagnosis of PTB and the assessment of labor induction success.