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Liu CH, Kao JH. Noninvasive Diagnosis of Hepatic Fibrosis in Hemodialysis Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2282. [PMID: 36291971 PMCID: PMC9600350 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12102282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health problem in hemodialysis patients, which leads to significant morbidity and mortality through progressive hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis. Percutaneous liver biopsy is the gold standard to stage hepatic fibrosis. However, it is an invasive procedure with postbiopsy complications. Because uremia may significantly increase the risk of fatal and nonfatal bleeding events, the use of noninvasive means to assess the severity of hepatic fibrosis is particularly appealing to hemodialysis patients. To date, researchers have evaluated the performance of various biochemical, serological, and radiological indices for hepatic fibrosis in hemodialysis patients with HCV infection. In this review, we will summarize the progress of noninvasive indices for assessing hepatic fibrosis and propose a pragmatic recommendation to diagnose the stage of hepatic fibrosis with a noninvasive index, in hemodialysis patients with HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Douliou 640203, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100233, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
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Chen SH, Lai HC, Su WP, Kao JT, Chuang PH, Hsu WF, Wang HW, Tsai TY, Chen HY, Peng CY. Liver and Spleen Stiffness Surveillance Through Elastography During and After Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2022; 41:1169-1177. [PMID: 34415630 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Direct-acting antiviral agents achieve a high cure rate, resulting in early hepatic necroinflammatory resolution and sustained fibrosis regression. This study aimed to obtain longitudinal, concurrent within-subject measurements of liver stiffness (LS) and spleen stiffness (SS) and their correlates over time. METHODS Participants with hepatitis C (n = 592) receiving direct-acting antiviral-based therapy were monitored through point shear-wave elastography from the treatment baseline (TW0) across follow-up visits in terms of LS and SS. RESULTS Generalized linear mixed modeling indicated that all LS values (2301 visits) were negatively correlated with the follow-up times (all P < .05) from TW0 to 24 weeks (PW24) after the end of treatment (EOT) and positively correlated with baseline LS values (P < .001). The slopes of declines (preceding minus next) differed significantly (P < .001) between TW0-TW4 (treatment week 4) (0.060 [-0.050 to 0.225] meter/second/month [m/s/mo]) and TW4-EOT (0.010 [-0.030 to 0.075] m/s/mo). All SS values (1704 visits) were negatively correlated with time only at PW24 (P < .001) and positively correlated with baseline SS values (P < .001). The slopes of the SS values differed significantly (P < .001) only between EOT-PW12 (-0.010 [-0.110 to 0.083] m/s/mo) and PW12-PW24 (0.043 [-0.063 to 0.160] m/s/mo). CONCLUSIONS The biphasic fast-to-slow decline in LS occurred early in the on-treatment phase, which is consistent with the resolution of hepatic necroinflammation. The slow-to-fast decline in SS occurred off treatment. Future studies should investigate the association with regressions in liver fibrosis and portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Hung Chen
- Department of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Chou Lai
- Department of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Pang Su
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Ta Kao
- Department of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Heng Chuang
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Fan Hsu
- Department of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Wei Wang
- Department of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Yu Tsai
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yao Chen
- Department of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- Department of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Reiberger T. The Value of Liver and Spleen Stiffness for Evaluation of Portal Hypertension in Compensated Cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:950-964. [PMID: 34904404 PMCID: PMC9035575 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease who develop clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are at high risk for hepatic decompensation and mortality if left untreated. Liver biopsy and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurements are the current gold standard procedures for determining fibrosis severity and diagnosing CSPH, respectively; however, both are invasive, limiting their use in clinical practice and larger trials of novel agents. As such, there is an unmet clinical need for reliable, validated, noninvasive measures to detect CSPH and to further assess portal hypertension (PH) severity. Alterations in the biomechanical properties of the liver or spleen in patients with cirrhosis can be quantified by tissue elastography, which examines the elastic behavior of tissue after a force has been applied. A variety of methods are available, including magnetic resonance elastography, shear-wave elastography, and the most thoroughly investigated measure, vibration-controlled transient elastography. Liver stiffness (LS) and spleen stiffness (SS) measurements offer valuable alternatives to detect and monitor CSPH. Both LS and SS correlate well with HVPG, with thresholds of LS >20-25 kPa and SS >40-45 kPa indicating a high likelihood of CSPH. Because SS is a direct and dynamic surrogate of portal pressure, it has the potential to monitor PH severity and assess PH improvement as a surrogate marker for clinical outcomes. Importantly, SS seems to be superior to LS for monitoring treatment response in clinical trials focusing on reducing PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic LaboratoryDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria.,Christian-Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver FibrosisMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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Dajti E, Marasco G, Ravaioli F, Alemanni LV, Rossini B, Colecchia L, Vestito A, Festi D, Colecchia A. The role of liver and spleen elastography in advanced chronic liver disease. Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino) 2021; 67:151-163. [PMID: 34027932 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5985.20.02793-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Portal hypertension is the main driver of complications in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). In the last decade, many non-invasive tests, such us liver and spleen elastography, have been proposed and validated for the identification of patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) and its complications, mainly hepatic decompensation and liver-related morbidity and mortality. Moreover, elastography accurately stratifies for the risk of HCC development, HCC recurrence and decompensation after liver surgery. Recent studies suggest a role of SSM in monitoring response to treatments and interventions in ACLD, such as viral eradication, non-selective beta-blockers and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement. However, one of the most indications to perform elastography in ACLD still remains the screening for esophageal varices. In fact, according to the Baveno VI consensus, liver stiffness measurement (LSM) <20 kPa and platelet count >150,000/mm3 can safely identify patients at low risk of varices requiring treatment (VNT) and could therefore avoid invasive upper invasive endoscopy; LSM>20-25 kPa can accurately rule-in CSPH in patients with viral etiology. Spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) is a direct surrogate of portal hypertension and has been demonstrated more accurate in predicting portal hypertension severity and VNT. A combined model including Baveno VI Criteria and SSM (≤46 kPa) can significantly increase the number of spared endoscopies (>40-50%), maintaining a low (<5%) of missed VNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elton Dajti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marasco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Ravaioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigina V Alemanni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Benedetta Rossini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Colecchia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Amanda Vestito
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Festi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Colecchia
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Borgo Trento University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy -
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Seko Y, Yamaguchi K, Tochiki N, Yano K, Takahashi A, Okishio S, Kataoka S, Okuda K, Umemura A, Moriguchi M, Itoh Y. The Effect of Genetic Polymorphism in Response to Body Weight Reduction in Japanese Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050628. [PMID: 33922278 PMCID: PMC8145113 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: weight loss as a result of lifestyle intervention is effective when treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We estimated the effects of PNPLA3 rs738409 and HSD17B13 rs6834314 variants in response to diet therapy in Japanese patients with NAFLD. Methods: we analyzed the correlation between the change in liver stiffness and change in body weight in 140 patients administered diet therapy for 1-year, according to PNPLA3 and HSD17B13 genotypes. Results: the bodyweight (BW) reduction rate was greater in patients with the PNPLA3 genotype CC than CG and GG (p = 0.035). Change in liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was significantly associated with a change in BW in PNPLA3 CG/GG (r = 0.279/0.381), but not in PNPLA3 CC (p = 0.187). Change in LSM was correlated with change in BW only in patients with HSD17B13 AG/GG (r = 0.425), but not the AA genotype (p = 0.069). A multivariate analysis identified that a change in LSM was correlated with a change in BW in carriers of HSD17B13 AG/GG (B = 3.043, p = 0.032), but not HSD17B13 AA. The change in LSM of patients with a BW reduction of more than 7% (0.50) was significantly greater than that of patients with a BW reduction of less than 7% (0.83) (p = 0.038). Conclusions: in Japanese patients with NAFLD, HSD17B13 rs6834314 polymorphism is associated with the change in LSM by lifestyle intervention. The approach, including genetic assessments, may contribute to the establishment of appropriate therapeutic strategies to treat NAFLD.
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The Combination of Shear Wave Elastography and Platelet Counts Can Effectively Predict High-Risk Varices in Patients with Hepatitis B-Related Cirrhosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6635963. [PMID: 33928154 PMCID: PMC8051526 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6635963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Baveno VI criteria, based on liver stiffness (LS) measured by transient elastography and platelet counts (PLT), have been proposed to avoid unnecessary endoscopy screening for high-risk varices (HRVs). However, the cut-off value of LS measured by 2D-SWE and PLT to predict HRVs in compensated hepatitis B-related cirrhotic patients remains unknown. Aims To prospectively analyze the cut-off of the combination of LS measured by 2D-SWE and PLT in predicting HRVs and the influence of antiviral therapies in its efficacy. Methods Serum parameters, LS, and endoscopy results were obtained from 160 compensated hepatitis B-related cirrhotic patients. The accuracy of the combined algorithm was assessed in the whole cohort and subgroups with or without consecutive antiviral therapies in the past 6 months. Results In the whole cohort, the optimal cut-off value of LS for HRVs was 14.5 kPa. Patients with a LS value < 14.5 kPa with a PLT value > 110 × 109/L can be excluded from HRVs (NPV = 0.99, endoscopy saved rates = 0.68). Conversely, a LS value of ≥14.5 kPa and a PLT value of ≤110 × 109/L indicated HRVs, with accurate rates of 82.35%, and 10.63% of patients can avoid additional endoscopy screening. Moreover, antiviral therapy had no significant effect on the accuracy and rates saved from further endoscopy screening, when comparing patients with or without antiviral therapies (all p values > 0.05). Conclusions The combination of LS (14.5 kPa) measured by 2D-SWE and PLT (110 × 109/L) can predict HRVs accurately in compensated hepatitis B-related cirrhotic patients without significant interference of antiviral therapy histories.
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Schulz M, Kleinjans M, Strnad P, Demir M, Holtmann TM, Tacke F, Wree A. Shear Wave Elastography and Shear Wave Dispersion Imaging in the Assessment of Liver Disease in Alpha1-Antitrypsin Deficiency. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11040629. [PMID: 33807358 PMCID: PMC8066059 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11040629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver affection of Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A noninvasive severity assessment of liver disease in AATD is urgently needed since laboratory parameters may not accurately reflect the extent of liver involvement. Preliminary data exist on two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) being a suitable method for liver fibrosis measurement in AATD. AATD patients without HCC were examined using 2D-SWE, shear wave dispersion imaging (SWD) and transient elastography (TE). Furthermore, liver steatosis was assessed using the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and compared to the new method of attenuation imaging (ATI). 29 AATD patients were enrolled, of which 18 had the PiZZ genotype, eight had PiMZ, two had PiSZ and one had a PiZP-Lowell genotype. 2D-SWE (median 1.42 m/S, range 1.14–1.83 m/S) and TE (median 4.8 kPa, range 2.8–24.6 kPa) values displayed a significant correlation (R = 0.475, p < 0.05). 2D-SWE, ATI (median 0.56 dB/cm/MHz, range 0.43–0.96 dB/cm/MHz) and CAP (median 249.5 dB/m, range 156–347 dB/m) values were higher in PiZZ when compared to other AATD genotypes. This study provides evidence that 2D-SWE is a suitable method for the assessment of liver disease in AATD. The newer methods of SWD and ATI require further evaluation in the context of AATD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marten Schulz
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) und Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.D.); (T.M.H.); (F.T.); (A.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Moritz Kleinjans
- Medical Clinic III, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases, and Intensive Care, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.K.); (P.S.)
- Coordinating Center for Alpha1-Antitrypsin Deficiency-Related Liver Disease of the European Reference Network (ERN) “Rare Liver” and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Registry Group “Alpha1-Liver”, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Pavel Strnad
- Medical Clinic III, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases, and Intensive Care, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.K.); (P.S.)
- Coordinating Center for Alpha1-Antitrypsin Deficiency-Related Liver Disease of the European Reference Network (ERN) “Rare Liver” and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Registry Group “Alpha1-Liver”, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Münevver Demir
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) und Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.D.); (T.M.H.); (F.T.); (A.W.)
| | - Theresa M. Holtmann
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) und Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.D.); (T.M.H.); (F.T.); (A.W.)
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) und Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.D.); (T.M.H.); (F.T.); (A.W.)
| | - Alexander Wree
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) und Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.D.); (T.M.H.); (F.T.); (A.W.)
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Chen BB, Mu PY, Lu JT, Wang G, Zhang R, Huang DD, Shen DH, Jiang TT. Sinistral portal hypertension associated with pancreatic pseudocysts - ultrasonography findings: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:463-468. [PMID: 33521116 PMCID: PMC7812887 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i2.463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sinistral portal hypertension associated with pancreatic pseudocysts is rare, often caused by extrinsic compression of splenic vein, the follow-up examinations by ultrasonography for early diagnosis are quietly necessary since haematemesis, a life-threatening condition. Few studies have reported the ultrasonography findings of sinistral portal hypertension.
CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old man presented with acute abdominal pain after drinking, steatorrhea, weight loss and accidentally melena in the past 2 mo. He underwent ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration in other hospital and diagnosed with pancreatic pseudocysts. Ultrasonography imaging, in our department, appeared as cystic heterogeneous hypoechoic area with the size of 4.7 cm × 3.8 cm that located posterior to the body and tail of pancreas, adjacent to splenic vein associated with thrombosis resulted from compression. Spleen incrassated to approximately 7.3 cm, but no dilation of main portal vein was presented. Color Doppler Flow Imaging demonstrated the formation of splenic venous collateral, nevertheless no significantly flow signals was observed in splenic vein. Pulsed Doppler revealed that the peak velocity of splenic venous collateral was 18.4 cm/s with continuous waveform. Laparotomy confirmed sinistral portal hypertension associated with pancreatic pseudocysts, subsequently distal pancreatectomy combined with splenectomy and partial gastrectomy was performed.
CONCLUSION It’s important clinically to know the ultrasound appearance of sinistral portal hypertension associated with pancreatic pseudocysts for sonographer and physician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei-Bei Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Postgraduate Training Base of Jinzhou Medical University, The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Pei-Yuan Mu
- Department of Ultrasound, The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Jing-Tai Lu
- Department of Ultrasound, The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Gong Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Dan-Dan Huang
- Department of Ultrasound, The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Dong-Hua Shen
- Department of Ultrasound, The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Ting-Ting Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound, The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100088, China
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Aquino-Matus J, Uribe M, Chavez-Tapia N. Liver and spleen elastography as predictor of portal hypertension and esophageal varices. Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino) 2020; 67:122-128. [PMID: 33337116 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5985.20.02779-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Liver stiffness is related to the degree of hepatic fibrosis which ultimately causes portal hypertension and gastroesophageal varices. Variceal bleeding is a worrisome and potentially fatal complication of cirrhosis, primary prophylaxis has demonstrated a reduction in decompensation and mortality. Portal hypertension and esophageal varices needing treatment could be predicted through noninvasive methods, including elastography, that evaluates the mechanical properties of liver or spleen tissue in concordance to the propagation of mechanical waves. The accurate prediction of the risk of gastroesophageal varices could spare unnecessary endoscopies in patients with low probability of finding varices needing treatment. In the current review, we discuss the elastography modalities available and the current evidence for its implementation in daily clinical practice.
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Dietrich CF, Shi L, Wei Q, Dong Y, Cui XW, Löwe A, Worni M, Ferraioli G. What does liver elastography measure? Technical aspects and methodology. Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino) 2020; 67:129-140. [PMID: 33267564 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5985.20.02787-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Elastography can be thought as an extension of the ancient technique of palpation. After giving a short introduction to the history of elastography, the different technologies that are nowadays available and the physics behind them, the article focuses on the assessment of liver stiffness in patients with diffuse liver disease using shear wave elastography (SWE). Practical advices on how to perform the SWE techniques and on the factors that should be considered for a correct interpretation of the results are given. This paper aimed to provide a practical guide for beginners and advanced clinical users to better understand technical aspects, methodologies and terminology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph F Dietrich
- Department Allgemeine Innere Medizin (DAIM), Kliniken Beau Site, Salem und Permanence, Hirslanden, Bern, Switzerland -
| | - Long Shi
- Department of Ultrasound, Jingmen N. 2 People's Hospital, Jingmen, China
| | - Qi Wei
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-Wu Cui
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Axel Löwe
- Department Allgemeine Innere Medizin (DAIM), Kliniken Beau Site, Salem und Permanence, Hirslanden, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mathias Worni
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Clarunis, University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, St. Clara University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine, Stiftung Lindenhof, Campus SLB, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Surgery, Clinic Beau Site, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Giovanna Ferraioli
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Losurdo G, Iannone A, Contaldo A, Barone M, Ierardi E, Di Leo A, Principi M. Trends of Liver Stiffness in Inflammatory Bowel Disease with Chronic Hepatitis C. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10121037. [PMID: 33276638 PMCID: PMC7761525 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10121037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Concomitant inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a relevant comorbidity since IBD itself exposes to a high risk of liver damage. We aimed to evaluate liver stiffness (LS) in IBD-HCV after antiviral treatment. We enrolled IBD patients with HCV. All patients at baseline underwent LS measurement by elastography. Patients who were eligible for antiviral therapy received direct antiviral agents (DAAs) and sustained viral response was evaluated at the 12th week. A control group was selected within IBD patients without HCV. One year later, all IBD-HCV patients and controls repeated LS measurement. Twenty-four IBD-HCV patients and 24 IBD controls entered the study. Only twelve out of 24 received DAAs and all achieved sustained viral response (SVR). All IBD subjects were in remission at enrollment and maintained remission for one year. After one year, IBD patients who eradicated HCV passed from a liver stiffness of 8.5 ± 6.2 kPa to 7.1 ± 3.9, p = 0.13. IBD patients who did not eradicate HCV worsened liver stiffness: from 7.6 ± 4.4 to 8.6 ± 4.6, p = 0.01. In the IBD control group, stiffness decreased from 7.8 ± 4.4 to 6.0 ± 3.1, p < 0.001. In conclusion, HCV eradication is able to stop the evolution of liver fibrosis in IBD, while failure to treat may lead to its progression. A stable IBD remission may improve LS even in non-infected subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Losurdo
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.L.); (A.I.); (A.C.); (M.B.); (E.I.); (M.P.)
- Ph.D. Course in Organs and Tissues Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University “Aldo Moro” of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Iannone
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.L.); (A.I.); (A.C.); (M.B.); (E.I.); (M.P.)
| | - Antonella Contaldo
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.L.); (A.I.); (A.C.); (M.B.); (E.I.); (M.P.)
| | - Michele Barone
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.L.); (A.I.); (A.C.); (M.B.); (E.I.); (M.P.)
| | - Enzo Ierardi
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.L.); (A.I.); (A.C.); (M.B.); (E.I.); (M.P.)
| | - Alfredo Di Leo
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.L.); (A.I.); (A.C.); (M.B.); (E.I.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-080-5593452; Fax: +39-080-5593088
| | - Mariabeatrice Principi
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.L.); (A.I.); (A.C.); (M.B.); (E.I.); (M.P.)
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Ahmad AK, Atzori S, Maurice J, Taylor-Robinson SD, Lim AKP. Non-invasive splenic parameters of portal hypertension: Assessment and utility. World J Hepatol 2020; 12:1055-1066. [PMID: 33312429 PMCID: PMC7701973 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v12.i11.1055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Portal hypertension is a major complication of cirrhosis that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The present gold-standard method to risk stratify and observe cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension is hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement or esophagogastroduodenoscopy. However, these methods are invasive, carry a risk of complications and are associated with significant patient discomfort. Therefore, non-invasive splenic parameters are of clinical interest as potential useful markers in determining the presence of portal hypertension. However, diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility remains unvalidated.
AIM To assess the diagnostic accuracy of spleen stiffness, area and diameter in predicting the presence of portal hypertension.
METHODS Of 50 patients with varying liver disease pathologies were prospectively recruited from the St. Mary’s Hospital Liver Unit in London; 25 with evidence of portal hypertension and 25 with no evidence of portal hypertension. Liver stiffness, spleen stiffness, spleen diameter and spleen area were measured using the Philips Affiniti 70 elastography point quantification point shear wave elastography system. The aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet-ratio-index (APRI) score was also calculated. Performance measures, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate demographic, clinical and elastography variables. Interclass correlation coefficient was used to determine the reproducibility of splenic area and diameter.
RESULTS On univariate and individual performance, platelet count [area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) 0.846, P value < 0.001], spleen area (AUROC 0.828, P value = 0.002) and APRI score (AUROC 0.827, P value < 0.001) were the most accurate variables in identifying the presence of portal hypertension. On multivariate logistic regression models constructed, the combination of spleen area greater than 57.90 cm2 and platelet count less than 126 × 109 had 63.2% sensitivity and 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value and 100% negative predictive value. An alternative combination of spleen stiffness greater than 29.99 kPa and platelet count less than 126 × 109 had 88% sensitivity, 75% specificity, 78.6% positive predictive value and 85.7% negative predictive value. An interclass correlation coefficient value of 0.98 (95%CI: 0.94-0.99, P value < 0.001) and 0.96 (95%CI: 0.91-0.99, P value < 0.001) were determined for inter-operator variability for spleen area and diameter respectively.
CONCLUSION Spleen area, spleen stiffness and platelet count may be useful markers to assess the presence of portal hypertension in patients of various etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Karim Ahmad
- Liver Unit, Department of Digestion, Metabolism & Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastiana Atzori
- Liver Unit, Department of Digestion, Metabolism & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom
| | - James Maurice
- Liver Unit, Department of Digestion, Metabolism & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom
| | - Simon D Taylor-Robinson
- Liver Unit, Department of Digestion, Metabolism & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian KP Lim
- Liver Unit and Imaging, Department of Digestion, Metabolism & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom
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13
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Giuffrè M, Campigotto M, Colombo A, Visintin A, Budel M, Aversano A, Navarria L, Piccin A, Cavalli CA, Sigon R, Balestra R, Tinè F, Abazia C, Masutti F, Crocè LS. The role of elastography in alcoholic liver disease: fibrosis staging and confounding factors, a review of the current literature. Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino) 2020; 67:112-121. [PMID: 33222430 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5985.20.02777-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) was estimated to have a prevalence of 2% among the USA population. Since severe fibrosis in compensated patients is the main predictor of long-term survival, it is of utmost importance to early detect patients with severe fibrosis before decompensation occurs. Liver elastography has been used to stage liver fibrosis. However, there is a widespread lack in guidelines for the correct use of liver stiffness (LS) in ALD. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A structured search was carried out on MEDLINE/PubMed database. From the original 225 research articles identified, only 12 studies met the inclusion criteria, with 10 studies being eventually included. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS According to reported data, patients with aspartate aminotransferase (AST)>100 IU/L and 50 IU/L showed significantly higher values of LS if compared to patients with the same fibrosis stage. Also, excessive alcohol consumption greatly influences elastography, leading to false fibrosis staging. When LS values >5-6 kPa are detected, several aspects should be taken into account. First of all, the patient should be asked about the current alcohol consumption (i.e. active vs. abstinence, determination of abstinence period, and quantification of alcohol intake), and if the patient is an active drinker, liver elastography can be repeated after a complete abstinence period of at least two weeks. and if the patient is an active drinker, liver elastography can be repeated after a complete abstinence period of at least two weeks. Secondly, clinicians should check liver transaminases level, and if AST are above 100 IU/L, they should be aware of a possible overestimation of fibrosis. However, whether transaminases-adapted cut-off values should be used for ad-hoc decisions in patients with no time or option to withdraw from alcohol consumption is still a matter of debate. CONCLUSIONS We hope that our review article may serve as a reference point in the prospect of futures guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giuffrè
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy - .,Italian Liver Foundation, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy - .,Pathologies of the Liver Clinic, A.S.U. Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy -
| | - Michele Campigotto
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Anna Colombo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessia Visintin
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Martina Budel
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Aversano
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Navarria
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Anna Piccin
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Carolina A Cavalli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Riccardo Sigon
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Tinè
- Pathologies of the Liver Clinic, A.S.U. Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
| | - Cristiana Abazia
- Pathologies of the Liver Clinic, A.S.U. Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
| | - Flora Masutti
- Pathologies of the Liver Clinic, A.S.U. Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lory S Crocè
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Italian Liver Foundation, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy.,Pathologies of the Liver Clinic, A.S.U. Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
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14
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Peschel G, Grimm J, Gülow K, Müller M, Buechler C, Weigand K. Chemerin Is a Valuable Biomarker in Patients with HCV Infection and Correlates with Liver Injury. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10110974. [PMID: 33228201 PMCID: PMC7699464 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10110974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced inflammation contributes to progressive liver disease. The chemoattractant protein chemerin is associated with systemic inflammation. We hypothesized that chemerin is a biomarker that predicts the severity of liver disease in HCV patients. Furthermore, we investigated whether serum chemerin levels change during the course of HCV treatment using direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Therefore, we measured serum concentration of chemerin in a cohort of 82 HCV-infected patients undergoing DAA treatment. Serum chemerin was positively associated with leukocyte count and negatively with markers of hepatic function and the model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. Low circulating chemerin levels significantly correlated with advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis as measured by the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, the aminotransferase/platelet (AST/PLT) ratio index (APRI) score and the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) score. Chemerin did not correlate with viral load or viral genotype. Treatment with DAAs did not improve MELD score and leukocyte count within the observation period, up to three months after the end of DAA treatment. Accordingly, chemerin levels remained unchanged during the treatment period. We conclude that low circulating chemerin is a noninvasive biomarker for hepatic dysfunction and advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giuffrè
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Italian Liver Foundation, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Antonio Colecchia
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Borgo Trento University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lory S Crocè
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy - .,Italian Liver Foundation, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
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16
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Giuffrè M, Giuricin M, Bonazza D, Rosso N, Giraudi PJ, Masutti F, Palmucci S, Basile A, Zanconati F, de Manzini N, Tiribelli C, Palmisano S, Crocè LS. Optimization of Point-Shear Wave Elastography by Skin-to-Liver Distance to Assess Liver Fibrosis in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10100795. [PMID: 33036418 PMCID: PMC7601552 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10100795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Obesity is a primary limiting factor in liver stiffness measurement (LSM). The impact of obesity has always been evaluated in terms of body mass index (BMI), without studying the effects of skin-to-liver distance (SLD) on LSM. We studied the impact of SLD on LSM in a cohort of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery and intra-operatory liver biopsy. Materials and Methods: 299 patients underwent LSM by point-shear wave elastography (ElastPQ protocol), with two different ultrasound machines. SLD was measured as the distance between the skin and the liver capsule, perpendicular to where the region of interest (ROI) was positioned. We used the following arbitrary cut-offs: <5.7 kPa, F0–1; 5.7–7.99 kPa, F2; ≥8 kPa, F3–4. Results: We developed two logistic regression models using elastography–histology agreement (EHA) as the dependent variable and SLD as the independent variable. The model based on the second machine showed strongly more performant discriminative and calibration metrics (AIC 38.5, BIC 44.2, Nagelkerke Pseudo-R2 0.894, AUROC 0.90). The SLD cut-off value of 34.5 mm allowed a correct EHA with a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 93%, negative predictive value of 100%, positive predictive value of 87%, an accuracy of 96%, and positive likelihood ratio of 3.56. Conclusion: The impact of SLD is machine-dependent and should be taken into consideration when interpreting LSM. We believe that our findings may serve as a reference point for appropriate fibrosis stratification by liver elastography in obese patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giuffrè
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (D.B.); (F.Z.); (N.d.M.); (S.P.); (L.S.C.)
- Italian Liver Foundation, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (N.R.); (P.J.G.); (C.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Michela Giuricin
- General Surgery Clinic, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Deborah Bonazza
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (D.B.); (F.Z.); (N.d.M.); (S.P.); (L.S.C.)
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina, Cattinara Hospital, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Natalia Rosso
- Italian Liver Foundation, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (N.R.); (P.J.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Pablo José Giraudi
- Italian Liver Foundation, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (N.R.); (P.J.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Flora Masutti
- Liver Clinic, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina, Cattinara Hospital, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Stefano Palmucci
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (S.P.); (A.B.)
| | - Antonio Basile
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (S.P.); (A.B.)
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (D.B.); (F.Z.); (N.d.M.); (S.P.); (L.S.C.)
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina, Cattinara Hospital, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicolò de Manzini
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (D.B.); (F.Z.); (N.d.M.); (S.P.); (L.S.C.)
- General Surgery Clinic, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Claudio Tiribelli
- Italian Liver Foundation, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (N.R.); (P.J.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Silvia Palmisano
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (D.B.); (F.Z.); (N.d.M.); (S.P.); (L.S.C.)
- General Surgery Clinic, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Lory Saveria Crocè
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (D.B.); (F.Z.); (N.d.M.); (S.P.); (L.S.C.)
- Italian Liver Foundation, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (N.R.); (P.J.G.); (C.T.)
- Liver Clinic, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina, Cattinara Hospital, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
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