Body posture can modulate liver stiffness measured by transient elastography: a prospective observational study

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Medical Imaging
• Diagnostic Techniques

Background:

• Liver stiffness (LS) measurement via transient elastography (TE) traditionally uses the supine position.
• Fibrosis degree is not the sole determinant of LS; confounders like body posture require investigation.
• The effect of normal daily postures on LS, irrespective of fibrosis, is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between body posture and LS measurements.
• To determine if normal daily postures interfere with LS assessment.
• To explore the potential of upright postures for TE measurements.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 62 adults (31 healthy, 31 with chronic liver disease).
• Transient elastography (TE) was performed in supine, seated, and standing positions.
• A two-way mixed ANOVA analyzed posture-dependence of LS and group variations.

Main Results:

• Posture differentially affected LS based on liver fibrosis presence.
• In healthy individuals, upright postures increased LS.
• In patients with liver disease, upright postures decreased LS.
• Measurement success rate and reliability were not significantly impacted by posture.

Conclusions:

• Upright postures are feasible for TE measurements, offering an alternative protocol.
• Postural changes can alter LS, highlighting their role in diagnosis, particularly for cirrhosis.
• Standardization of body positioning is essential for accurate LS interpretation.