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Chronic hepatitis C activity: correlation with lymphadenopathy on MR imaging
Xiao-Ming Zhang1, Donald G Mitchell, Hongyu Shi
1Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 1096 Main Bldg., 132 S. 10th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|July 20, 2002
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can visualize perihepatic lymph nodes in patients with chronic active hepatitis C. Lymph node characteristics on MRI correlate with disease activity, unlike liver function tests.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Chronic active hepatitis C is a significant liver condition.
- Assessing disease activity is crucial for patient management.
- Perihepatic lymph node status may indicate disease severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between MR imaging findings of perihepatic lymph nodes and the activity level of chronic active hepatitis C.
- To correlate MR imaging observations with histological grading of hepatitis C activity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 50 patients with chronic active hepatitis C undergoing MR imaging and liver biopsy within one month.
- Two radiologists assessed perihepatic lymph node location, number, size, and intensity on MR images, blinded to histology.
- Histological activity was graded as mild, moderate, or severe.
Main Results:
- 88% of patients showed perihepatic lymph nodes >5 mm on MR imaging.
- Lymph node number, size, and hyperintensity on T2-weighted images significantly correlated with histological activity (p < 0.0001).
- No correlation was found between lymph node findings and liver function tests.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging is effective in depicting perihepatic lymph nodes in chronic active hepatitis C.
- Perihepatic lymph node characteristics on MR imaging reflect the degree of liver disease activity.
- Liver function tests do not correlate with these MR imaging findings.