Normal values in healthy liver in central India by acoustic radiation force impulse imaging

The aim of this study was to reliably measure and define the normal wave velocity values in a healthy liver by Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI) technology in central India.

Fifty two healthy volunteers underwent acoustic radiation force impulse imaging tissue quantification and were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients were examined clinically by a clinician and blood samples were drawn and tested for liver function test and viral markers for hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus. The healthy volunteers were then examined by a certified sonologist and twenty-four measurements per subject were obtained and evaluations were performed. Statistical comparison of all mean data was performed with Student's t-test was done. A valueof p < 0.05 was considered significant. A comparative analysis was performed, and interclasscorrelation coefficients were calculated.

The sonologist obtained 416 measurements. A statistically significant differencewas found between the mean shear wave velocity values in deep of the right lobe of the liver and the values obtained on the surface of the right lobe (1.2vs1.05 m/s) and between the mean values obtained deep in the right lobe and those obtained deep in the left lobe (1.2vs 1.0 m/s). In almost all cases, the shear wave speeds were between 1 and 2 m/s.

Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging quantification of hepatic tissue is more reproducible when applied to the deeper portion of the right lobe of the liver.