Hepatic elasticity in patients with ascites: evaluation with real-time tissue elastography
Masashi Hirooka1, Yohei Koizumi, Yoichi Hiasa
1Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|May 25, 2011
Summary
Real-time tissue elastography reliably measures liver stiffness in patients with ascites. This technique offers a stable alternative to transient elastography for assessing liver fibrosis, especially in decompensated cirrhosis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Medical Imaging
- Diagnostic Techniques
Background:
- Transient elastography is a common method for assessing liver fibrosis.
- However, its utility is limited in patients with ascites or severe obesity.
- Alternative methods are needed for accurate liver stiffness measurement in these populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of real-time tissue elastography for measuring liver stiffness in patients with ascites.
- To compare the reproducibility of real-time tissue elastography with transient elastography in challenging patient groups.
Main Methods:
- Real-time tissue elastography was performed on 54 patients.
- Measurements were taken before and after inducing artificial ascites in 42 patients.
- Liver stiffness was assessed before and after ascites control in 12 patients with cirrhosis-related ascites.
Main Results:
- Real-time tissue elastography measurements showed no significant difference before and after ascites manipulation.
- Liver stiffness measurements were consistent regardless of cirrhosis status or body surface distance.
- Stable and reproducible liver stiffness values were obtained using real-time tissue elastography.
Conclusions:
- Real-time tissue elastography provides reproducible liver stiffness measurements in patients with ascites.
- This technique demonstrates potential superiority over transient elastography for liver fibrosis assessment.
- It is particularly advantageous for patients with decompensated cirrhosis and ascites.
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