Shear Wave Elastography for Evaluation of Hydronephrosis in Pregnancy

Hydronephrosis is common during pregnancy and is often physiological; however, it may also result from true obstruction requiring intervention. Differentiating between physiological and obstructive hydronephrosis remains a clinical challenge using conventional ultrasound.

This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of renal cortical stiffness measured by shear wave elastography (SWE) in differentiating obstructive from physiological hydronephrosis in pregnant women. Participants presenting with hydronephrosis will undergo clinical assessment, laboratory investigations, and ultrasound evaluation including SWE measurements.

The diagnostic performance of SWE will be assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and optimal cut-off values will be determined. The study aims to provide a safe, non-invasive, and quantitative tool to improve diagnosis and guide management in pregnant patients with hydronephrosis.