Breast | Stiffness that speaks: Elastography insights
Tracks
Central C | Canon
Breast
| Sunday, May 31, 2026 |
| 11:20 AM - 12:50 PM |
| Central Rm C | Ground Floor |
Overview
Mrs Natalie Clements
Speaker
Mrs Natalie Clements
Sonographer
SKG Radiology
Stiffness that speaks: Elastography insights
Presentation Synopsis / Abstract
This masterclass offers a comprehensive overview of ultrasound-based breast elastography, transitioning from foundation physics to advanced clinical application. Participants will learn how to differentiate benign from malignant lesions by assessing stiffness, utilising both the qualitative colour mapping and quantitative (kPa or m/s) data.
Learning Objectives
1. Understand the physical principles behind Strain Elastography and Shear Wave Elastography.
2. Master the acquisition techniques for optimal elastograms, including the "no pressure" rule.
3. Apply the BIRADS elasticity lexicon and scoring systems.
4. Interpret elastography images to differentiate benign form malignant lesions.
5. Identify common pitfalls, technical limitations and artifacts.
Practical Sessions
1. Hands-on demonstration showing correct probe handling and pressure control.
2. Review case studies to determine when to upgrade/downgrade BIRADS and when to biopsy.
3. Image Optimisation to identify and correct elastography artefacts.
Learning Objectives
1. Understand the physical principles behind Strain Elastography and Shear Wave Elastography.
2. Master the acquisition techniques for optimal elastograms, including the "no pressure" rule.
3. Apply the BIRADS elasticity lexicon and scoring systems.
4. Interpret elastography images to differentiate benign form malignant lesions.
5. Identify common pitfalls, technical limitations and artifacts.
Practical Sessions
1. Hands-on demonstration showing correct probe handling and pressure control.
2. Review case studies to determine when to upgrade/downgrade BIRADS and when to biopsy.
3. Image Optimisation to identify and correct elastography artefacts.
Biography
Mrs Natalie Clements |
SKG Radiology
Natalie Clements is a Senior Sonographer at SKG Radiology Bunbury.
Initially obtained a Medical Imaging Science degree in 1991, she then completed the General DMU in 1996 and has worked in rural WA since 1998. She is passionate about rural health and has twice been awarded scholarships from the Australian Government Rural and Remote Health Professional Scheme in 2004 and 2007.
In 2011 she completed a research-based Master of Medical Sonography on First Trimester Screening in a rural population. She was awarded the ASA Rural and Remote Sonographer in 2011 to attend ASA Brisbane. At this conference she presented her Masters research in First Trimester Screening and won Best New Research and Best Poster.
At WFUMB Vienna in 2011, she was awarded the “Magna Cum Laude Award” in recognition her educational presentation on Ultrasound of Calcifying Tendinitis on the Supraspinatus Tendon.
At ASA Melbourne 2022 Natalie was recognised as the WA Sonographer of the Year.
She presents locally in the southwest WA and in Perth, nationally and has presented internationally in Vienna and Dubai.
