Abstract: Objective  To evaluate the mechanical properties of supraspinatus tendons in hemodialysis patients with high frame rate sound touch elastography （HiFR STE). Methods  Forty-six patients who routinely underwent hemodialysis at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, as well as twenty three fit volunteers, were selected for the study. Patients on hemodialysis were divided into two groups based on their median dialysis duration （74.5 months)： the shorter dialysis duration group and the prolonged dialysis duration group ［49.00（14.00, 69.00) vs 91.00（78.00, 122.00)］. Two-dimensional ultrasound and HiFR STE imaging were performed using a Mindray Resona R9 Pro ultrasound diagnostic instrument and an L15-3Wu line array probe. The supraspinatus tendon thickness and the mean of Young's modulus （Emean)were measured and compared between hemodialysis patients with varying durations of dialysis and healthy controls. Additionally, the sonographic characteristics of the shoulder joint were observed, including bone destruction, synovial hypertrophy, and joint effusion.  Results  The differences in supraspinatus tendon thickness and Emean values among healthy control group, shorter dialysis age group and longer dialysis age group were statistically significant（P<0.001), with the supraspinatus tendon thickness (5.73±0.70)mm, (6.57±0.93)mm and (6.80±0.84)mm, respectively. The result of two-by-two comparisons showed that the supraspinatus tendons thickness were thicker in both groups of hemodialysis patients with differing dialysis durations than in controls（P<0.05). HiFR STE results showed that their Emean values was (61.27±21.64)kPa、(42.56±25.30)kPa and (31.13±17.40)kPa, respectively. The result of two-by-two comparisons showed that the Emean value of supraspinatus tendons was significantly lower in dialysis patients than in controls, and the incidence of bone erosion and synovial thickening were statistically significant among the three groups（P<0.05). Conclusion  Supraspinatus tendons in hemodialysis patients thickened and showed decreased mechanical properties. Quantitative evaluation of supraspinatus tendon elasticity in hemodialysis patients based on the Emean measured by the HiFR STE can provide objective evidence for clinical screening of potential group of rotator cuff tears. 

Key words: ultrasound, elastography, high frame rate sound touch elastography（HiFR STE), supraspinatus tendon, dialysis