Shigao Chen, Ph.D.

The research of Shigao Chen, Ph.D., focuses on ultrasound imaging of tissue elasticity and viscosity, which are sensitive biomarkers of tissue state and diseases. Ultrasound is used to produce shear waves in tissues and monitor shear wave propagation for quantitative measurement of tissue viscoelasticity.

Focus areas

Dr. Chen studies technologies that quantify tissue viscosity in addition to elasticity, as well as methods for fast 2-D shear wave imaging through comb-shape ultrasound push beams. His research program on noninvasive liver fibrosis staging using ultrasound elasticity measurements is supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Chen is also interested in applications of ultrasound elasticity imaging of breast, thyroid, muscle, tendon, and other organs and diseases.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Chen is applying ultrasound elasticity imaging for noninvasive staging of liver fibrosis, a condition affecting hundreds of millions of patients worldwide. The current gold standard of liver fibrosis staging is biopsy, which is invasive and subject to sampling variability. Successful completion of this research may lead to a noninvasive ultrasound tool for convenient screening and treatment follow-up of liver fibrosis.

Professional highlights

• Member, Ultrasound Shear Wave Speed Technical Committee, Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers Alliance (QIBA)
• Member, Editorial Advisory Board — Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Journal of Chinese Medical Instruments
• Member, Editorial Board — Medical Devices: Evidence and Research, The Open Acoustics Journal