Effect of maneuvers, diuresis, and fluid administration on ultrasound-measured liver stiffness after Fontan

To determine the effect of stress maneuvers/interventions on ultrasound liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) in patients with Fontan circulation and healthy controls.

In this prospective, IRB-approved study of 10 patients after Fontan palliation and 10 healthy controls, ultrasound 2D shear-wave elastography LSMs were acquired at baseline and after maximum inspiration, expiration, standing, handgrip, aerobic exercise, i.v. fluid (500 mL normal saline) administration, and i.v. furosemide (20 mg) administration. Absolute and percent change in LSM were compared between baseline and each maneuver, and then from fluid infusion to after diuresis.

Median ages were 25.5 and 26 years in the post-Fontan and control groups (p = 0.796). LSMs after Fontan were higher at baseline (2.6 vs. 1.3 m/s) and with all maneuvers compared to controls (all p < 0.001). Changes in LSM with maneuvers, exercise, fluid, or diuresis were not significant when compared to baseline in post-Fontan patients. LSM in controls increased with inspiration (+0.02 m/s, 1.6%, p = 0.03), standing (+0.07 m/s, 5.5%, p = 0.03), and fluid administration (+0.10 m/s, 7.8%, p = 0.002), and decreased 60 minutes after diuretic administration (-0.05 m/s, -3.9%, p = 0.01) compared to baseline. LSM after diuretic administration significantly decreased when compared to after i.v. fluid administration at 30 minutes (-0.79 m/s, -26.5%, p = 0.004) and 60 minutes (-0.78 m/s, -26.2%, p = 0.017) for patients after Fontan and controls at 15 minutes (-0.12 m/s, -8.70%, p = 0.002), 30 minutes (-0.15 m/s, -10.9%, p = 0.003), and 60 minutes (-0.1 m/s, -10.9%, p = 0.005).

LSM after Fontan is higher with more variability compared to controls. Diuresis is associated with significantly decreased liver stiffness in both patients after Fontan and controls, with the suggestion of a greater effect in Fontan patients.