Viscoelastic Characterization of in vivo Human Dermis Using High-Frequency Ultrasonic Crawling Wave Elastography

Abstract

High-frequency (center frequency of 18MHz) ultrasound was combined with crawling wave elastography to characterize skin viscoelastic properties in two anatomical sites (i.e., thigh and forearm) in humans in the range of 200-400 Hz. The Voigt model was used to obtain shear elasticity and shear viscosity estimates. The forearm's mean shear elasticity and shear viscosity were 6 kPa and 5.5 Pa.s, respectively, exhibiting significantly higher values than in the thigh (3.4 kPa and 3.2 Pa.s, respectively, p < 0.05). These results suggest that skin viscoelastic properties can be estimated in vivo using high-frequency crawling wave elastography and show translation potential for future application in the clinical screening of skin disorders.