Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026
08:56
Bile Duct Ligation in Mice: Induction of Inflammatory Liver Injury and Fibrosis by Obstructive Cholestasis
Published on: February 10, 2015
Increased liver elasticity in patients with biliary obstruction
Yoko Yashima1, Takeshi Tsujino, Ryota Masuzaki
1Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan. yashimay@gmail.com
Journal of Gastroenterology
|September 4, 2010
Summary
Transient elastography (FibroScan) shows higher liver elasticity in obstructive jaundice patients. This elasticity decreases after biliary drainage, indicating it’s temporary, not fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Medical Imaging
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Transient elastography measures liver elasticity to assess fibrosis.
- Obstructive jaundice may alter liver elasticity due to bile retention.
- Limited data exists on liver elasticity in obstructive jaundice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate liver elasticity in patients with obstructive jaundice using transient elastography.
- To differentiate temporary elasticity changes from liver fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- Transient elastography performed on 101 patients with biliary/pancreatic disease.
- Patients divided into obstructive jaundice (OJ) and nonobstructive jaundice (NJ) groups.
- Elasticity measured before and after biliary drainage in a subset of OJ patients.
Main Results:
- Mean liver elasticity was significantly higher in the OJ group (12.0 kPa) than the NJ group (6.2 kPa).
- In OJ patients, elasticity significantly decreased after biliary drainage (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Obstructive jaundice increases liver elasticity.
- The increased elasticity is reversible after biliary drainage.
- Elevated FibroScan values in obstructive jaundice may reflect temporary elasticity changes, not fibrosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess the...
01:26Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow
Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug binding...
01:16Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors
The biliary system of the liver, crucial for bile secretion and drug excretion, comprises intrahepatic bile ducts that merge to form the common hepatic duct. This duct, carrying hepatic bile, combines with the cystic duct, draining the gallbladder and forming the common bile duct, which empties into the duodenum. Bile, produced by hepatic cells lining the bile canaliculi, is composed primarily of water, bile salts, pigments, electrolytes, and lesser amounts of cholesterol and fatty acids. Bile...
01:20Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
01:26Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
01:25Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and FibroScan are valuable diagnostic tools in gastroenterology and hepatology, each with specific applications and techniques.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):