Ultrasound evaluation of uncomplicated and complicated acute viral hepatitis

Seven hundred ninety-one consecutive patients with acute viral hepatitis, 17 of whom had liver failure, and 97 healthy volunteers were examined by ultrasound. No specific patterns were found in either the uncomplicated or the complicated forms. Only 19 subjects showed a typical "bright liver" pattern, which is correlated with significant vacuolar hepatocellular degeneration. The increased brightness and clear visualization of portal vein radicle walls, previously described in this disease, were detected in only 32.2% of the hepatitis patients but were also seen in 30.9% of the normal controls.