Comparison of 2-D Shear Wave Elastography and Transient Elastography for Assessing Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis B

Staging liver fibrosis and cirrhosis using non-invasive tests in people with chronic hepatitis B to inform WHO 2024 guidelines: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Non-invasive tests (aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index [APRI] and transient elastography [FibroScan]) were recommended in the 2015 WHO guidelines to guide treatment decisions in people with chronic hepatitis B. We updated the systematic review and meta-analysis that informed the 2015 guidelines to inform new cutoffs for non-invasive tests for the diagnosis of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis for the 2024 WHO guidelines for chronic hepatitis B.

METHODS

We searched PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, and Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science) for studies published in any language between Jan 1, 2014, and Feb 15, 2023. We included all studies that reported cross-sectional data on the staging of fibrosis or cirrhosis with APRI, Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), and FibroScan compared with liver biopsy as the reference standard in people with chronic hepatitis B. We excluded studies in which the maximum interval between liver biopsy and non-invasive fibrosis test was more than 6 months; that reported on fewer than ten patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis; that were done exclusively in children; and did not report diagnostic accuracy across our prespecified ranges of test cutoffs. The results of this updated search were collated with the meta-analysis that informed the 2015 guidelines. Outcomes of interest were the sensitivity and specificity of non-invasive tests using defined index test cutoffs for detecting significant fibrosis (≥F2), advanced fibrosis (≥F3), and cirrhosis (F4) based on the METAVIR staging system. We performed meta-analyses using a bivariate random-effects model.

FINDINGS

Of 19 933 records identified by our search strategy, 195 were eligible for our systematic review and combined with the 69 studies from the previous meta-analysis to total 264. Two studies were at low risk of bias, 31 studies had unclear risk of bias, and 231 studies had a high risk of bias. Of these 264, 211 studies with 61 665 patients were used in the meta-analysis. For the diagnosis of significant fibrosis (≥F2), sensitivity and specificity were 72·9% (95% CI 70·2-75·5) and 64·7% (95% CI 61·0-68·2) for the APRI low cutoff (>0·3 to 0·7), 30·5% (23·7-38·3) and 92·3% (89·3-94·6) for the APRI high cutoff (>1·3 to 1·7), and 75·1% (72·2-77·7) and 79·3% (76·2-82·2) for FibroScan (>6·0 to 8·0 kPa), respectively. For the diagnosis of cirrhosis (F4), sensitivity and specificity were 59·4% (53·2-65·2) and 73·9% (70·1-77·4) for the APRI low cutoff (>0·8 to 1·2), 30·2% (24·2-36·9) and 88·2% (85·4-90·6) for the APRI high cutoff (>1·8 to 2·2), and 82·6% (77·8-86·5) and 89·0% (86·3-91·2) for FibroScan (>11·0 to 14·0 kPa), respectively. Using a hypothetical population of 1000 unselected patients with chronic hepatitis B with a 25% prevalence of significant fibrosis (≥F2), the APRI low cutoff for significant fibrosis (≥F2) would result in 262 (26·2%) false positives but only 68 (6·8%) false negatives. The FibroScan cutoff would result in 158 (15·8%) false positives and 63 (6·3%) false negatives. In a population with a 5% prevalence of cirrhosis (F4), the APRI low cutoff for cirrhosis (F4) would result in 247 (24·7%) false positives and 21 (2·1%) false negatives and the FibroScan cutoff would result in 105 (10·5%) false positives and nine (0·9%) false negatives.

INTERPRETATION

These findings have informed new thresholds of APRI and FibroScan for diagnosis of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in the 2024 WHO guidelines on chronic hepatitis B, with an APRI score greater than 0·5 or a FibroScan value greater than 7·0 kPa considered to identify most adults with significant fibrosis (≥F2) and an APRI score greater than 1·0 or a FibroScan value greater than 12·5 kPa to identify most adults with cirrhosis (F4). These patients are a priority for antiviral treatment.

FUNDING

WHO.

Imaging-based noninvasive liver disease assessment for staging liver fibrosis in chronic liver disease: A systematic review supporting the AASLD Practice Guideline

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Transient elastography (TE), shear wave elastography, and/or magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), each providing liver stiffness measurement (LSM), are the most studied imaging-based noninvasive liver disease assessment (NILDA) techniques. To support the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidelines on NILDA, we summarized the evidence on the accuracy of these LSM methods to stage liver fibrosis (F).

APPROACH AND RESULTS

A comprehensive search for studies assessing LSM by TE, shear wave elastography, or MRE for the identification of significant fibrosis (F2-4), advanced fibrosis (F3-4), or cirrhosis (F4), using histopathology as the standard of reference by liver disease etiology in adults or children from inception to April 2022 was performed. We excluded studies with <50 patients with a single disease entity and mixed liver disease etiologies (with the exception of HCV/HIV coinfection). Out of 9447 studies, 240 with 61,193 patients were included in this systematic review. In adults, sensitivities for the identification of F2-4 ranged from 51% to 95%, for F3-4 from 70% to 100%, and for F4 from 60% to 100% across all techniques/diseases, whereas specificities ranged from 36% to 100%, 74% to 100%, and 67% to 99%, respectively. The largest body of evidence available was for TE; MRE appeared to be the most accurate method. Imaging-based NILDA outperformed blood-based NILDA in most comparisons, particularly for the identification of F3-4/F4. In the pediatric population, imaging-based NILDA is likely as accurate as in adults.

CONCLUSIONS

LSM from TE, shear wave elastography, and MRE shows acceptable to outstanding accuracy for the detection of liver fibrosis across various liver disease etiologies. Accuracy increased from F2-4 to F3-4 and was the highest for F4. Further research is needed to better standardize the use of imaging-based NILDA, particularly in pediatric liver diseases.

Advancements of non‐invasive imaging technologies for the diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis: Present and future

Liver fibrosis is a reparative response triggered by liver injury. Non‐invasive assessment and staging of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease are of paramount importance, as treatment strategies and prognoses depend significantly on the degree of fibrosis. Although liver fibrosis has traditionally been staged through invasive liver biopsy, this method is prone to sampling errors, particularly when biopsy sizes are inadequate. Consequently, there is an urgent clinical need for an alternative to biopsy, one that ensures precise, sensitive, and non‐invasive diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis. Non‐invasive imaging assessments have assumed a pivotal role in clinical practice, enjoying growing popularity and acceptance due to their potential for diagnosing, staging, and monitoring liver fibrosis. In this comprehensive review, we first delved into the current landscape of non‐invasive imaging technologies, assessing their accuracy and the transformative impact they have had on the diagnosis and management of liver fibrosis in both clinical practice and animal models. Additionally, we provided an in‐depth exploration of recent advancements in ultrasound imaging, computed tomography imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine imaging, radiomics, and artificial intelligence within the field of liver fibrosis research. We summarized the key concepts, advantages, limitations, and diagnostic performance of each technique. Finally, we discussed the challenges associated with clinical implementation and offer our perspective on advancing the field, hoping to provide alternative directions for the future research.

Comparison of 2D Shear Wave Elastography and Transient Elastography in Non-Invasive Evaluation of Liver Fibrosis in Hepatitis C Virus-Related Chronic Liver Disease

Background: Transient Elastography (TE) is widely regarded as the most reliable non-invasive method for evaluating liver fibrosis. Recently, new techniques such as 2D Shear Wave Elastography (2D-SWE) have been developed. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between TE and 2D-SWE in patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease and to redefine the cut-off values of 2D-SWE for predicting different stages of fibrosis based on our results. Methods: Both TE (Fibroscan, Echosens, Paris, France) and 2D-SWE (SuperSonic Imagine) were performed simultaneously in 170 patients, including those with active and eradicated HCV infection. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between the two measurements, and the concordance between the assigned METAVIR classes was calculated using Cohen's kappa coefficient. ROC curves were constructed to determine the optimal cut-off values for 2D-SWE. Results: Ten patients were excluded for invalid measurements. In the remaining 160 patients, TE and 2D-SWE demonstrated a high correlation (ρ = 0.83, p < 0.0001) and good agreement in METAVIR classification (k = 0.74). The optimal cut-off values identified for 2D-SWE were as follows: ≥ 7 kPa for F ≥ 2, ≥ 8.3 kPa for F ≥ 3, and ≥ 9.4 kPa for F4. Conclusions: 2D-SWE is a viable alternative to TE for patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease. Our data suggest that the currently accepted 2D-SWE cut-off values for cirrhosis (F4) should be reconsidered and potentially lowered.

Non-Invasive Assessment of Liver Fibrosis in Hepatitis B Patients

The aim of this review is to provide updated information on the clinical use of non-invasive serum and imaging-based tests for fibrosis assessment in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection. In recent years, non-invasive tests (NIT) have been increasingly used to determine eligibility for treatment. Liver biopsy is still considered the gold standard for assessing inflammatory activity and fibrosis staging, but it is an invasive procedure with inherent limitations. Simple serum markers such as APRI and FIB-4 are limited by indeterminate results but remain useful initial tests for fibrosis severity if imaging elastography is not available. Point-of-care US-based elastography techniques, such as vibration-controlled transient elastography or 2D shear wave elastography, are increasingly available and have better accuracy than simple serum tests for advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, although stiffness cut-offs are variable based on E-antigen status and inflammatory activity. Current NITs have poor diagnostic performance for following changes in fibrosis with antiviral therapy. However, NITs may have greater clinical utility for determining prognosis in patients with CHB that have advanced disease, especially for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and/or liver decompensation. Algorithms combining serum and imaging NITs appear promising for advanced fibrosis and prognostic risk stratification.

Predictive model containing gene signature and shear wave elastography to predict patient outcomes after Kasai surgery in biliary atresia

AIMS

Infants with biliary atresia (BA) are treated with Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) surgery, but many BA patients need subsequent salvage liver transplants. The aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive gene-clinical model based on two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2DSWE), liver gene expression, and other clinical parameters to predict response to KPE for BA patients.

METHODS

Differentially expressed gene patterns between liver samples of BA (n = 102) and non-BA control (n = 14) were identified using RNA sequencing analysis. Biliary atresia patients were then randomly assigned to training and validation cohorts. Gene classifier based on the differentially expressed genes was built in the training cohort. Nomogram models with and without gene classifier were further constructed and validated for predicting native liver survival of BA patients. The utility of the nomograms was compared by C-index.

RESULTS

Using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator model, we generated a nine-gene prognostic classifier. The nomogram based on the nine-gene classifier, age, preoperative 2DSWE, and albumin had the better C-index compared to gene classifier alone in the training cohort (0.83 [0.76-0.90] vs. 0.69 [0.61-0.77], p = 0.003) and the validation cohort (0.74 [0.67-0.82] vs. 0.62 [0.55-0.70], p = 0.001). Using risk scores developed from the nomogram, the 12-month survival rates of BA patients with native liver were 35.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.7-56.3) in the high-risk group and 80.8% (95% CI, 63.4-100.0) in the low-risk group in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The comprehensive genetic-clinical nomogram based on preoperative 2DSWE, liver gene expression, and other clinical parameters can accurately predict response to KPE.

Value of Multimodal Data From Clinical and Sonographic Parameters in Predicting Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Curative Treatment

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the work described here was to assess the value of the combination of pre-operative multimodal data-including clinical data, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) information and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) based on 2-D shear wave elastography (SWE)-in predicting early (within 1 y) and late (after 1 y) recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative treatment.

METHODS

We retrospectively included 101 patients with HCC who met the Milan criteria and received curative treatment. The multimodel data from clinical parameters, LSM by 2-D SWE and CEUS enhancement patterns were collected. The association between different variables in HCC recurrence was accessed using a Cox proportional hazard model. On the basis of the independent factors of early recurrence, models with different source variables were established (Clinical Model, CEUS-Clinical Model, SWE-Clinical Model, CEUS-SWE-Clinical Model). The goodness-of-fit of models was evaluated and the performance trends of different models were calculated by time-dependent area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Two-dimensional SWE, CEUS enhancement patterns and clinical parameters (spleen length, multiple tumors, α-fetoprotein, albumin and prothrombin time) were independently associated with early recurrence (all p values <0.05). Multiple tumors and a decrease in albumin independently contributed to the late recurrence. The model fit of CEUS-SWE-Clinical Model was superior to other models in predicting early recurrence (all p values <0.05). The AUCs of the CEUS-Clinical Model were higher from 2 mo to 7 mo, while the SWE-Clinical Model had higher AUCs from 9 mo to 12 mo.

CONCLUSION

CEUS enhancement patterns and 2-D SWE were independent predictors of HCC early recurrence as the two factors contributed to the predictive performance at different times. The multimodal model, which included diverse data in predicting early HCC recurrence, had the best goodness-of-fit.

Comparison between Two-Dimensional and Point Shear Wave Elastography Techniques in Evaluating Liver Fibrosis Using Histological Staging as the Reference Standard: A Prospective Pilot Study

Evaluation of hepatic fibrosis is essential to prevent liver-related morbidity and mortality. Although various types of ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) have been used and validated, there are limited studies on the relatively newer technique, two-dimensional SWE (2D-SWE). Therefore, this study aimed to compare the diagnostic performances of 2D-SWE and point SWE (p-SWE) for evaluating liver fibrosis using histology as the reference standard. To measure liver stiffness (LS) values, 87 patients underwent 2D-SWE and p-SWE using the same machine. Technical failures and unreliable measurements were also evaluated. The diagnostic performances of 2D-SWE and p-SWE were compared using area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve analysis. No technical failures were observed in either method; however, unreliable measurements were less frequent in 2D-SWE (1/87 [1.1%]) than in p-SWE (8/87 [9.2%]) (p < 0.001). The AUROC of the LS values of 2D-SWE were significantly higher than those of p-SWE for diagnosing significant fibrosis (0.965 vs. 0.872, p = 0.022) and cirrhosis (0.994 vs. 0.886, p = 0.042). In conclusion, 2D-SWE is more reliable and accurate than p-SWE for diagnosing hepatic fibrosis.

Factors Associated with Disagreement of Fibrosis Stages between 2D-Shear Wave Elastography and Transient Elastography in Chronic Hepatitis B

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The agreement of elastography techniques in chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) needs evaluation. We aimed to evaluate, in CHB, the agreement between transient elastography (TE) and two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), analyzing the factors related to the disagreement of measures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CHB patients underwent liver stiffness measures with both TE and 2D-SWE on the same day. For concordance analysis, we defined liver fibrosis as F0/1 vs. F ≥ 2, F0/1-F2 vs. F ≥ 3 and F0/1-F2-F3 vs. F4 for both methods. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the variables independently associated with the disagreement between methods.

RESULTS

A total of 150 patients were enrolled. Liver fibrosis categorization according to TE was: F0-F1 = 73 (50.4%), F ≥ 2 = 40 (27.6%), F ≥ 3 = 21 (14.5%) and F4 = 11 (7.6%), and according to 2D-SWE was: F0/F1 = 113 (77.9%), F ≥ 2 = 32 (22.1%), F≥ 3 = 25 (17.2%) and F4 = 11 (7.6%). It was observed that 20.0% of the sample had steatosis (CAP≥ 275 dB/m). TE and SD-SWE estimated equal fibrosis stages in 79.3% of cases. Spearman's correlation coefficient was 0.71 (p < 0.01). Kappa values for F ≥ 2, F ≥ 3 and F = 4 were: 0.78, p < 0.001; 0.73, p < 0.001; and 0.64, p < 0.001, respectively. Diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR 5.04; 95%CI: 1.89-13.3; p < 0.001) and antiviral treatment (OR 6.79; 95%CI: 2.33-19.83; p < 0.001) were independently associated with discordance between both methods.

CONCLUSIONS

In CHB, there is strong correlation and good agreement between TE and 2D-SWE in identifying fibrosis stages. Diabetes mellitus and antiviral therapy may impact the agreement of stiffness measures obtained with these elastographic methods.

Ultrasound-New Techniques Are Extending the Applications

BACKGROUND

Sonography is often the first imaging procedure to be used in diagnostic investigation of the abdomen. The aim of this article is to provide a new interdisciplinary overview of recent groundbreaking advances in this modality.

METHODS

A selective survey of the literature in PubMed was conducted. The literature search was carried out in 2021-2022 and included publications over the period 2004-2022.

RESULTS

The novel sonographic software techniques can be divided into algorithms that deal with conventional B-scan optimization and new programs that extend the scope of sonographic examination. The latter include elastography, contrast-enhanced sonography, and image fusion in combination with other cross-sectional imaging modalities. Elastography can be used to assess the presence of steatosis, fibrosis, or cirrhosis in patients with liver disease. One study reported diagnostic accuracy of 84-87% for the diagnosis of significant fibrosis (F2), 89-91% for the diagnosis of severe fibrosis (F3), and 92-93% for the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis (F4). Contrast-enhanced sonography is used for evaluation of tumors and trauma. A prospective multicenter study found sensitivity of 95.8% for the characterization of malignant lesions and specificity of 83.1% for benign lesions. Image fusion has the potential to improve the diagnostic assessment of parenchymatous organs, vascular conditions, and the prostate.

CONCLUSION

With continuous improvement of the B-scan and the development of high-frequency probes and novel investigation techniques, sonography has become established as an increasingly autonomous examination procedure.

Factors other than fibrosis that increase measured shear wave velocity

Shear wave elastography (SWE) is now becoming an indispensable diagnostic tool in the routine examination of liver diseases. In particular, accuracy is required for shear wave propagation velocity measurement, which is directly related to diagnostic accuracy. It is generally accepted that the liver shear wave propagation velocity reflects the degree of fibrosis, but there are still few reports on other factors that increase the shear wave propagation velocity. In this study, we reviewed such factors in the literature and examined their mechanisms. Current SWE measures propagation velocity based on the assumption that the medium has a homogeneous structure, uniform density, and is purely elastic. Otherwise, the measurement is subject to error. The other (confounding) factors that we routinely experience are primarily: (1) Conditions that appear to increase the viscous component; and (2) Conditions that appear to increase tissue density. Clinically, the former includes acute hepatitis, congested liver, biliary obstruction, etc, and the latter includes diffuse infiltration of malignant cells, various storage diseases, tissue necrosis, etc. In any case, it is important to evaluate SWE in the context of the entire clinical picture.

Diagnostic Performance of Transient Elastography Versus Two-Dimensional Shear Wave Elastography for Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Viral Hepatitis: Direct Comparison and a Meta-Analysis

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of transient elastography (TE) and two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) for staging liver fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis (CVH).

Methods

Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched (-01/08/2021) for studies comparing TE with 2D-SWE in patients with CVH. Other etiologies of chronic liver disease (CLD) and articles not published in SCI journals were excluded. The bivariate random-effects model was used to pool the performance of the TE and 2D-SWE.

Results

Eight articles with a total of 1301 CVH patients were included. The prevalence of significant fibrosis (fibrosis stage ≥ 2), advanced fibrosis (fibrosis stage ≥ 3), and cirrhosis was 50.8%, 44.8%, and 34.7%, respectively. 2D-SWE expressed higher overall accuracy than TE in detecting significant fibrosis (0.93 vs. 0.85, P = 0.04). No significant difference among the overall diagnostic accuracy of TE and 2D-SWE in staging advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis was found.

Conclusion

TE and 2D-SWE express good to excellent diagnostic accuracies to stage fibrosis in CVH patients. 2D-SWE compares favorably with TE especially for predicting significant fibrosis.

Application of Supersonic Shear Imaging to the Baveno VI Criteria and a Combination Model with Spleen Stiffness Measurement to Rule Out High-Risk Varices in Compensated Advanced Chronic Liver Disease

PURPOSE

Recently, Colecchia et al. reported that by adding a spleen stiffness (SS) criterion sequentially to the Baveno VI criteria, screening endoscopy could be safely avoided. We aimed to compare the Baveno VI criteria, SS values and a sequential combination of the Baveno VI and SS values, measured by supersonic shear imaging (SSI), as approaches for safely avoiding screening endoscopy for high-risk varices (HRV).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between April 2017 and July 2018, we enrolled 274 compensated advanced chronic liver disease patients who had successfully undergone liver stiffness (LS) and SS measurements with SSI and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). 52 HRV patients were included, and we analyzed risk factors for HRV and compared proportions of patients who were spared EGD when Baveno VI criteria, SS cut-off and the combination of the two approaches were used.

RESULTS

The AUROC values for estimating HRV by platelet count, LS and SS were 0.701, 0.757 and 0.844, respectively, and all three measures were found to be independent predictors of HRV. The SS cut-off value for excluding HRV was ≤ 27.3 kPa. The percentages of patients spared EGD were 18.6 % for Baveno VI, 28.8 % for SS cut-off and 36.1 % for the sequential combination of Baveno VI and SS cut-off. Less than 2 % of HRV patients were missed when using all of the criteria.

CONCLUSION

The Baveno VI criteria can be applied to LS measurement by SSI. SS measurement by SSI is an excellent predictor of HRV. Screening endoscopy can be safely avoided when Baveno VI criteria and SS cut-off are applied together.

A model based on two-dimensional shear wave elastography for acute-on-chronic liver failure development in patients with acutely decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the accuracy of two-dimensional (2D) shear wave elastography (SWE), develop and validate a novel prognostic model in predicting acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) development in patients with acutely decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study enrolled 221 patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from September 2019 to January 2021, and randomly assigned them to the derivation and validation cohorts (7:3 ratio). Ultrasound, 2D SWE, clinical and laboratory data were collected, and outcome (ACLF developed) was recorded during a 90-day follow-up period. We evaluated the ability of 2D SWE to predict the outcome, developed a model for predicting ACLF development in the derivation cohort, and assessed the model in the validation cohort.

RESULTS

2D SWE values were significantly higher in patients with ACLF development (P<0.05). The accuracy of 2D SWE in predicting the outcome was better than that of serum parameters of liver fibrosis (all P<0.05). The SWE model for ACLF development had good calibration and discrimination [concordance index (C-index): 0.855 and 0.840 respectively] in derivation and validation cohorts, outperforming serum prognostic scores (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The SWE model, superior to serum prognostic scores in predicting ACLF development, could be a noninvasive tool to guide the individual management of patients with acutely decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis.

Liver stiffness by two-dimensional shear wave elastography for screening high-risk varices in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the usefulness of the criteria with liver stiffness (LS) measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) and platelet count (PLT) for ruling out high-risk varices in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD).

METHODS

A total of 661 patients with cACLD had successfully undergone 2D-SWE and endoscopy screening. We analyzed risk factors for the presence of high-risk varices and compared proportions of patients who were spared endoscopy when used the predicting criteria with LS (ranged from 16 to 25 kPa) and PLT (ranged from 80 × 109/L to 150 × 109/L).

RESULTS

PLT, albumin, LS were found to be independent predictors of high-risk varices. The LS values for ruling out and ruling in high-risk varices were 14.0 kPa and 24.8 kPa, respectively. When the Baveno VI criteria LS < 20 kPa and PLT > 150 × 109/L were used, the high-risk varices miss rate was 2.1%, while the saved endoscopy rate only was 19.2%. The new criteria that LS < 16 kPa and PLT > 100 × 109/L saved 30.4-34.6% endoscopy with 0-3.2% high-risk varices miss rate in the subgroup analysis stratified according to the types of underlying liver disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The Baveno VI criteria can be applied to LS measurement by 2D-SWE. The new criteria that LS < 16 kPa and PLT > 100 × 109/L could be a potential model to spare more endoscopy screening with < 5% high-risk varices miss rate.

KEY POINTS

• LS measured by 2D-SWE is reliable predictive factor for predicting all-size varices and high-risk varices in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease. • LS measured by 2D-SWE < 16 kPa and PLT > 100 × 109 /L, which can spare more endoscopy than Baveno VI criteria with < 5% high-risk varices miss rate. • The Baveno VI criteria can be applied to LS measurement by 2D-SWE.

Effects of Confounding Factors on Liver Stiffness in Two-Dimensional Shear Wave Elastography in Beagle Dogs

Background

Two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) is a powerful technique that can non-invasively measure liver stiffness to assess hepatic fibrosis.

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the effects of confounding factors, including anesthesia, breathing, and scanning approach, on liver stiffness when performing 2D-SWE in dogs.

Materials and Methods

Nine healthy Beagle dogs were included in this study. Hepatic 2D-SWE was performed, and liver stiffness was compared between conscious and anesthetized states, free-breathing and breath-holding conditions, and intercostal and subcostal approaches. For the anesthetized state, the breath-holding condition was subdivided into seven phases, which included forced-expiration (5 and 10 mL/kg), end-expiration (0 cm H₂O), and forced-inspiration (5, 10, 15, and 20 cm H₂O), and liver stiffness was compared among these phases. Changes in liver stiffness were compared between intercostal and subcostal approaches according to breathing phases.

Results

No significant difference was observed in liver stiffness between the conscious and anesthetized states or between the free-breathing and breath-holding conditions. No significant difference was noted in liver stiffness among the breathing phases, except for forced-inspiration with high airway pressure (15 and 20 cm H₂O in the intercostal approach and 10, 15, and 20 cm H₂O in the subcostal approach), which was associated with significantly higher liver stiffness (p < 0.05). Liver stiffness was significantly higher in the subcostal approach than in the intercostal approach (p < 0.05). Changes in liver stiffness were significantly higher in the subcostal approach than in the intercostal approach in all forced-inspiratory phases (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In conclusion, when performing 2D-SWE in dogs, liver stiffness is unaffected by anesthesia and free-breathing. To avoid inadvertent increases in liver stiffness, the deep inspiratory phase and subcostal approach are not recommended. Thus, liver stiffness should be interpreted considering these confounding factors.

OUP accepted manuscript

Background

This study aimed to assess the performance of transient elastography (TE), two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) for staging significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in untreated chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

Methods

Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for terms involving CHB, TE, 2D-SWE, and MRE. Other etiologies of chronic liver disease, previous treatment in patients, or articles not published in SCI journals were excluded. Hierarchical non-linear models were used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of TE, 2D-SWE, and MRE. Heterogeneity was explored via analysis of threshold effect and meta-regression.

Results

Twenty-eight articles with a total of 4,540 untreated CHB patients were included. The summary areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) using TE, 2D-SWE, and MRE for predicting significant fibrosis (SF) were 0.84, 0.89, and 0.99, respectively. The AUROC values of TE, 2D-SWE, and MRE for staging cirrhosis were 0.9, 0.94, and 0.99, respectively. Based on the meta-analysis of studies with head-to-head comparison, 2D-SWE is superior to TE (0.92 vs 0.85, P < 0.01) in staging significant fibrosis.

Conclusion

TE, 2D-SWE, and MRE express acceptable diagnostic accuracies in staging significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in untreated CHB patients. 2D-SWE outperforms TE in detecting significant fibrosis in treatment-naive people with hepatitis B virus.

Performance of Imaging Techniques in Non-invasive Diagnosis of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease in children. With the continuous emergence of various non-invasive diagnostic methods, imaging techniques have always been considered as potential alternative methods to liver biopsy. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of imaging techniques so as to search for the most promising technology.

METHODS

We searched English and Chinese databases. English databases included Cochran library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science, while Chinese databases included the Wanfang database and China National Knowledge Internet.

RESULTS

Finally, 11 articles were included (12 studies, one of which included studies on both fibrosis and steatosis). Further, 26.2% of the participants had mild steatosis, 34.1% had moderate steatosis, and 34.9% had severe steatosis. Also, 64.0% had any fibrosis, 29.1% had significant fibrosis, 13.8% had advanced fibrosis, and 2.8% had cirrhosis. Irrespective of the grade of fibrosis, transient elastography (TE) had higher sensitivity (97-100%), whereas magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) had the lowest sensitivity (58-63%). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of imaging techniques in diagnosing steatosis were 89% (95% CI, 71-96) and 89% (95% CI, 72-96), and AUROC 0.95 (95% CI, 93-97), multifrequency magnetic resonance elastography-hepatic fat fraction (mMRE-HFF) had the highest sensitivity (87%, 95% CI 77-97), ultrasonography (US) had the lowest specificity (96%, 95% CI 92-98%).

CONCLUSION

Imaging techniques have a good diagnostic performance for children with NAFLD, especially the diagnosis of liver fibrosis based on ultrasound or magnetic resonance elastography. Compared with different imaging techniques, TE has the best performance in diagnosing significant fibrosis. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) is expected to become a biological indicator for routine screening, dynamic monitoring of disease changes, and prognostic evaluation.

Development and validation of a non-invasive model for diagnosing HBV-related liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Liver cirrhosis is closely related to the abnormal liver function and occurrence of liver cancer. Accurate non-invasive assessment of liver cirrhosis is of great significance for preventing disease progression and treatment decision-making. We aim to develop and validate a non-invasive diagnostic model for liver cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

METHODS

From July 2015 to April 2017, seven-hundred fifty-four patients with primary HBV-related liver cancer who underwent hepatectomy were reprospectively recruited. All patients were examined with 2D-SWE and serologic testing preoperatively, which were utilized for measurement of liver stiffness and serum fibrosis models. The stage of liver fibrosis was evaluated using a resected liver specimen. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression was used for feature selection and binary logistic regression analysis was chosen to build a diagnostic model, which was presented as a nomogram and evaluated for calibration, discrimination and clinical usefulness. The performance of noninvasive model was then prospectively validated in an independent cohort (361 patients) by the ROC curve analysis.

RESULTS

The diagnostic model, which consists of 5 selected clinical characteristics (PIII-NP, IV-C, Hyaluronan, Platelet and Liver stiffness), showed the strongest correlation with liver fibrosis stage (ρ = 0.702, P < 0.05). Compared with APRI, FIB-4, King's Score, and Forns Index, the model presented the optimal discrimination and the best predictive performance with the highest AUC in the training cohort (0.866, 95%CI 0.840-0.892, P < 0.05) and validation cohorts (0.852, 95%CI 0.813-0.890, P < 0.05). Decision curve analysis demonstrated that nomogram based on the model was extremely useful for diagnosing cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

CONCLUSION

This study proposes a non-invasive diagnostic model that incorporates the clinical predictors which can be conveniently used in the individualized diagnosis of HBV-related liver cirrhosis.

Performance of shear wave elastography: A single centre pilot study of mixed etiology liver disease patients with normal BMI

Purpose

To assess the performance of shear wave ultrasound elastography (SWE) for non-invasive grading of fibrosis in normal BMI patients with varied aetiology chronic liver disease.

Method

Prospective SWE liver and spleen stiffness (LS, SS respectively) of 124 patients (94 men, mean age 45.4 ± 12.4 years, mean BMI 19.66 ± 1.49) with CLD of mixed aetiology, who underwent liver biopsy, between January 2019-20 was analysed using receiver operating curve (ROC) and classification analysis regression tree (CART) to determine fibrosis cut-off values and nominal logistical regression to quantify fibrosis.

Results

Of 124 patients, 50 (40%) had non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), 31 (25%) chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 43 (35%) alcoholic liver disease (ALD) on biopsy. Overall mean LS and SS of the study population was 11.81 ± 5.9 and 16.88 ± 10.8 kPa, respectively. LS cut-off value <8 kPa was consistent with F0, 9-14 kPa for F1-F2 and >14.9 kPa for F3-F4 fibrosis on biopsy. On application of CART, LS value < 5.3 kPa was discriminative for NASH, 5.32 to <12.64 kPa for CHB, >12.64 kPa for ALD, SS <15.3 kPa was discriminative for NASH, 15.3-30 kPa for CHB and >30 kPa for ALD in our study population.

Conclusion

SWE is a viable non-invasive tool for assessment of liver fibrosis grading in a population of mixed aetiology CLD. LS values in conjunction with SS are promising predictors of F2-F3 fibrosis with potential to discriminate select categories like CHB and NASH in such a population.

Liver Fibrosis Assessment Using Transient Elastography by FibroScan and Shear Wave Elastography by Sonography: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study in an Outpatient Liver Clinic

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the second most common cause of liver transplantation in the United States, with a continuously growing prevalence. There are several non-invasive methods to detect liver fibrosis, which is defined as the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, particularly collagens. It is most commonly associated with chronic liver diseases, such as NAFLD. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the concordance between transient elastography (TE) and shear wave elastography (SWE) for liver fibrosis staging and also to examine the congruence between the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and the B-mode hepatorenal ratio for hepatic steatosis grading in patients with NAFLD. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted during March 2018 - 2019, NAFLD patients, referred to the liver clinic of our center for the non-invasive assessment of hepatic fibrosis, were enrolled. However, patients with sonographic features of cirrhosis, multiple hepatic masses, or moderate to large ascites were excluded; also, patients who were uncooperative during the tests were excluded. Measurements obtained by different tools were recorded. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Chi-square test, independent t-test, or Mann-Whitney tests, as well as Pearson’s correlation coefficient test, were used to analyze the data. Results: Sixty-five patients (male-to-female ratio, 1:13), with a median age of 47 years, were included in the study. The tools for assessing fibrosis (r = 0.9538, 95% CI: 0.9252 - 0.9717, P < 0.0001) and steatosis (r = 0.429, 95% CI: 0.2048 - 0.6104, P < 0.0001) were perfectly and moderately correlated, respectively. Sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) did not affect the results. Conclusion: The two elastography modalities showed a strong correlation for fibrosis staging in our study population. Also, the CAP and B-mode hepatorenal ratio were moderately correlated for grading hepatosteatosis. Overall, selection of the best assessment method among the studied modalities depends on factors other than internal validity.

Liver stiffness measurements by 2-dimensional shear wave elastography compared to histological and ultrasound parameters in primary biliary cholangitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) by 2-dimensional-shear-wave elastography (LSM2D-SWE) are now widely used in hepatology. However, relevant information for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is scant. We compare LSM2D-SWE with liver biopsy (LB) in a cohort of PBC patients in Greece.

METHODS

Data of 68 LBs from 53 PBC patients were retrospectively analyzed and fibrosis stage was compared to LSM2D-SWE. Forty-six patients (86.8%) were females and at the time of LBx median (IQR) age was 62.6 (53.2-72.1). Demographic, UDCA treatment, histological and B-mode ultrasound data were tested for their influence on LSM2D-SWE estimates.

RESULTS

Liver fibrosis stages F0-F4 were found in 4, 19, 19, 16 and 10 cases, respectively. Across stages F0-F4, the LSM2D-SWE was 5.6 (5.1-6.1), 7.0 (5.8-7.7), 9.1 (7.3-11.5), 10.8 (9.9-12.2) and 14.5 (11.9-25.7) kPa, respectively, with highly significant difference (p<.001). The LSM2D-SWE differed also significantly between F0 vs. F1 (p=.027), F1 vs. F2 (p=.005) and F3 vs. F4 (p=.017). The discriminatory ability of LSM2D-SWE for mild, significant, severe fibrosis and cirrhosis was highly significant in all comparisons (p<.001), with AUC2D-SWE 95.3%, 87.4%, 85.3% and 95.3% and accuracy 89.7%, 85.3%, 80.9% and 86.8%, respectively. Among 21 parameters tested, significant predictors of LSM2D-SWE by multiple linear regression were fibrosis stage, portal inflammation and parenchymal heterogeneity. The portal inflammation grade accounted for 32.2% of LSM variation with adjusted R2 0.428.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with PBC, LSM measurements by 2D-SWE can reliably discriminate between mild, significant, severe fibrosis and cirrhosis. Measurements are significantly affected by portal inflammation grade.

Comparison of two-dimensional shear wave elastography, magnetic resonance elastography, and three serum markers for diagnosing fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis index based on 4 factors (FIB-4), and King's score have been proposed for diagnosing fibrosis.

METHODS

Literature databases were searched until October 1st, 2020. The summary area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), the summary diagnostic odds ratios, and the summary sensitivities and specificities were used to assess the performance of these noninvasive methods for staging fibrosis.

RESULTS

Our final data contained 72 studies. The prevalence of significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis was 58.3%, 36.2%, and 20.5%, respectively, in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). For 2D-SWE and MRE, the summary AUROCs were 0.89 and 0.97, 0.95 and 0.97, and 0.94 and 0.97 for significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis, respectively. The summary AUROCs using APRI and FIB-4 for detecting significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis were 0.76 and 0.75, 0.74 and 0.77, and 0.77 and 0.82, respectively. The summary AUROCs of King's score for detecting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 0.77 and 0.83, respectively.

CONCLUSION

MRE and 2D-SWE may show the best diagnostic accuracy for predicting fibrosis in CHB. Among the three serum markers, King's score may be more useful for diagnosing fibrosis.

Assessment of native liver fibrosis using ultrasound elastography and serological fibrosis indices in children with biliary atresia after the Kasai procedure

BACKGROUND

Validated non-invasive examinations are necessary to monitor liver fibrosis in children with biliary atresia (BA) after the Kasai procedure.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), transient elastography (TE), and the serologic biomarkers of aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score for evaluating native liver fibrosis in children with BA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed same-day 2D-SWE and TE liver stiffness (LS) measurements of 63 patients with BA who underwent the Kasai procedure. The APRI and FIB-4 score were computed. Hepatic fibrosis was categorized into three clinical categories based on the ultrasound (US) hepatic morphology and clinical manifestations of liver cirrhosis: I, pre-cirrhotic liver state (n = 15); II, US and/or clinical signs of liver cirrhosis with compensated liver function (n = 27); and III, liver cirrhosis with decompensated liver function (n = 21). We compared area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) data among 2D-SWE, TE, APRI, and FIB-4 score. Combined evaluation of serologic fibrosis indices and US elastography was conducted and AUCs of combinations were analyzed.

RESULTS

2D-SWE, TE, APRI, and FIB-4 score showed good to excellent diagnostic accuracy for differentiating clinical categories (AUCs 0.779-0.955). AUC values were significantly increased after adding TE to FIB-4 score for detecting liver cirrhosis (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

2D-SWE, TE, APRI, and FIB-4 score are accurate non-invasive markers for monitoring native liver fibrosis in patients with BA. Combined use of serologic markers and US elastography could yield more accurate diagnoses of liver fibrosis than serologic markers alone.

Ultrasound-Based Quantification of Fibrosis and Steatosis with a New Software Considering Transient Elastography as Reference in Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases

The goal of this study was to evaluate the performance of two new ultrasound-based techniques (ShearWave PLUS elastography [2-D-SWE PLUS], SSp PLUS Imaging [SSp PLUS]) implemented on the Aixplorer Mach 30 ultrasound system (Supersonic Imagine, Aix-en-Provence, France) for the non-invasive assessment of liver steatosis and fibrosis, using transient elastography (TE) with the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) as reference. This monocentric cross-sectional study included 133 consecutive adult patients with chronic hepatopathies. Liver stiffness and steatosis were evaluated in the same session using the techniques mentioned above. An excellent correlation was observed between liver stiffness measurements obtained with 2-D-SWE PLUS and TE (r = 0.92, p < 0.0001). The best cutoff value of 2-D-SWE PLUS for predicting F≥2 was 6.8 kPa; for F≥3, 8.4 kPa; and for F4, 11 kPa. With respect to steatosis evaluation, a strong negative correlation between CAP and SSp PLUS values (r = -0.70, p < 0.0001) was obtained. The best SSp PLUS cutoff value for predicting steatosis was 1537 m/s.

Quantification of Liver Fibrosis, Steatosis, and Viscosity Using Multiparametric Ultrasound in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Liver Disease: A "Real-Life" Cohort Study

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of four ultrasound-based techniques for the non-invasive multiparametric (MPUS) assessment of liver fibrosis (LF), steatosis (HS), and inflammation in patients with NAFLD. We included 215 consecutive adult patients with NAFLD (mean age: 54.9 ± 11.7; 54.5% were male), in whom LF, HS, and viscosity were evaluated in the same session using four new ultrasound-based techniques embedded on the Aixplorer MACH 30 system: ShearWave Elastography (2D-SWE.PLUS), Sound Speed Plane-wave UltraSound (SSp.PLUS), Attenuation Plane-wave UltraSound (Att.PLUS), and Viscosity Plane-wave UltraSound (Vi.PLUS). Transient Elastography (TE) with Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) (FibroScan) were considered as control. All elastographic measurements were performed according to guidelines. Valid liver stiffness measurements (LSM) were obtained in 98.6% of patients by TE, in 95.8% of patients by 2D-SWE.PLUS/Vi.PLUS, and in 98.1% of patients by Att.PLUS/SSp.PLUS, respectively. Therefore, 204 subjects were included in the final analysis. A strong correlation between LSMs by 2D-SWE.PLUS and TE (r = 0.89) was found. The best 2D-SWE.PLUS cut-off value for the presence of significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2) was 7 kPa. Regarding steatosis, SSp.PLUS correlated better than Att.PLUS with CAP values: (r = -0.74) vs. (r = 0.45). The best SSp.PLUS cut-off value for predicting the presence of significant steatosis was 1524 m/s. The multivariate regression analysis showed that Vi.PLUS values were associated with BMI and LSM by 2D-SWE.PLUS. In conclusion, MPUS was useful for assessing fibrosis, steatosis, and inflammation in a single examination in patients with NAFLD.

Comparison of liver stiffness measurements by a 2D-shear wave technique and transient elastography: results from a European prospective multi-centre study

OBJECTIVES

To compare liver stiffness measurement (LSM) provided by Canon 2D-shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) and transient elastography (TE), the latter being the reference method.

METHODS

Prospective study conducted in four European centres from 2015 to 2016 including patients with various chronic liver diseases who had LSMs with both 2D-SWE and TE on the same day. Median of 10 valid measurements (in kPa) was used for comparison using paired t test, Pearson correlation, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plot. The ability of 2D-SWE to stratify patient according to recognised LSM-TE thresholds was assessed by ROC curve analysis.

RESULTS

Six hundred forty patients were scanned, where 593 (92.7%), 572 (89.4%) and 537 (83.9%) had reliable LSMs by TE, 2D-SWE and both combined, respectively. In the latter (n = 537, 310 [57.7%] male, mean 55.3 ± 14.8 years), median LSM-TE and LSM-2D-SWE had a mean of 10.1 ± 9.4 kPa (range 2.4-75) and 9.1 ± 6.1 kPa (range 3.6-55.7) (paired t test: p < 0.001), respectively. These were significantly correlated (Pearson r = 0.932, p < 0.001, ICC 0.850 (0.825-0.872), bias 0.99 ± 4.33 kPa [95% limits of agreement - 9.48 to + 7.49] with proportional error towards higher LSM values). LSM-2D-SWE values significantly increased with TE categories (ANOVA: p < 0.001). AUROCs ranged from 0.935 ± 0.010 (95% CI 0.910-0.954) to 0.973 ± 0.009 (95% CI 0.955-0.985), resulting in correct classification of 390/537 (73%) patients. Three 2D-SWE measurements were sufficient for reliable LSMs.

CONCLUSION

LSM using 2D-SWE correlates well with TE. It tends to underestimate higher stages of liver fibrosis but correctly classifies the majority of patients. It may be used in TE-derived algorithms to manage patients.

KEY POINTS

• Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by 2D-shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) and transient elastography (TE) are strongly correlated. • 2D-SWE shows proportionately lower LSM values compared to TE, particularly with the higher LSM range. • Three individual measurements by 2D-SWE are sufficient to assess LSM reliably.

Comparison of 2-D Shear Wave Elastography and Point Shear Wave Elastography for Assessing Liver Fibrosis

Progressive liver fibrosis may result in cirrhosis, portal hypertension and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. We performed a meta-analysis to compare liver fibrosis staging in chronic liver disease patients using 2-D shear wave elastography (2-D SWE) and point shear wave elastography (pSWE). The PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were searched until May 31, 2020 for studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of 2-D SWE and pSWE in assessing liver fibrosis. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, diagnostic odds ratios and area under receiver operating characteristic curve were estimated using the bivariate random effects model. As a result, 71 studies with 11,345 patients were included in the analysis. The pooled sensitivities of 2-D SWE and pSWE significantly differed for the detection of significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2; 0.84 vs. 0.76, p < 0.001) and advanced fibrosis (F ≥ 3; 0.90 vs. 0.83, p = 0.003), but not for detection of cirrhosis (F = 4; 0.89 vs. 0.85, p = 0.090). The pooled specificities of 2-D SWE and pSWE did not significantly differ for detection of F ≥ 2 (0.81 vs. 0.79, p = 0.753), F ≥ 3 (0.87 vs. 0.83, p = 0.163) or F = 4 (0.87 vs. 0.84, p = 0.294). Both 2-D SWE and pSWE have high sensitivity and specificity for detecting each stage of liver fibrosis. Two-dimensional SWE has higher sensitivity than pSWE for detection of significant fibrosis and advanced fibrosis.

The utility of two-dimensional shear wave elastography and texture analysis for monitoring liver fibrosis in rat model

BACKGROUND

Liver fibrosis is a common pathological change caused by a variety of etiologies. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can reverse or delay disease progression and improve the prognosis. This study aimed to assess the potential utility of two-dimensional shear wave elastography and texture analysis in dynamic monitoring of the progression of liver fibrosis in rat model.

METHODS

Twenty rats were divided into control group (n = 4) and experimental groups (n = 4 per group) with carbon tetrachloride administration for 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks. The liver stiffness measurement was performed by two-dimensional shear wave elastography, while the optimal texture analysis subsets to distinguish fibrosis stage were generated by MaZda. The results of elastography and texture analysis were validated through comparing with histopathology.

RESULTS

Liver stiffness measurement was 6.09 ± 0.31 kPa in the control group and 7.10 ± 0.41 kPa, 7.80 ± 0.93 kPa, 8.64 ± 0.93 kPa, 9.91 ± 1.13 kPa in the carbon tetrachloride induced groups for 2, 3, 4, 6 weeks, respectively (P < 0.05). By texture analysis, histogram and co-occurrence matrix had the most frequency texture parameters in staging liver fibrosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve of liver elasticity showed that the sensitivity and specificity were 95.0% and 92.5% to discriminate liver fibrosis and non-fibrosis, respectively. In texture analysis, five optimal parameters were selected to classify liver fibrosis and non-fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-dimensional shear wave elastography showed potential applications for noninvasive monitoring of the progression of hepatic fibrosis, even in mild fibrosis. Texture analysis can further extract and quantify the texture features in ultrasonic image, which was a supplementary to further visual information and acquired high diagnostic accuracy for severe fibrosis.

Interobserver and Intraobserver Reliability of Hepatic Shear Wave Elastography and the Influence of Fasted Versus Nonfasted States in Healthy Volunteers

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this study was to assess the effect of fasting versus ingestion of food and water on hepatic measurements by shear wave elastography (SWE) in healthy participants. The secondary objective was to assess inter- and intra-reader reliability of hepatic elastography in healthy participants.

METHODS

Twenty healthy participants were enrolled in this prospective study and underwent quantitative SWE under fasting conditions and after the ingestion of water and food and water. Two blinded sonographers each independently performed a total of 6 sessions of hepatic SWE in each participant. Sessions 1 to 3 were performed on day 0 and sessions 4 to 6 on day 7. Statistical tests used included the Wilcoxon signed ranks test, the intraclass correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman plots.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in hepatic SWE measurements after the ingestion of water versus the fasting state. Statistical significance was assessed as P < 0.05. The postprandial status had a statistically significant effect on hepatic SWE measurements at 1 hour (P = .04) but not at 3 hours (P = .08). By the intraclass correlation coefficient, there was poor-to-moderate inter-reader agreement and minimal-to-moderate intra-reader agreement. The median inter-reader difference in SWE measurements ranged from 0.66 to 0.96 kPa. The median intra-reader difference ranged from 0.43 to 0.55 kPa.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that the ingestion of water has no effect on hepatic SWE measurements in healthy participants. The postprandial state had a significant effect on SWE measurements at 1 hour after ingestion but not at 3 hours. The inter-reader and intra-reader agreements were variable and moderate at best.

Liver stiffness measured with two-dimensional shear wave elastography comparable to histopathology falls dominantly on the severe liver fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Two-dimensional shear-wave elastography (2D-SWE) has been used for years for liver assessment of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), but its effectiveness remains unclear in different populations and using different ultrasound systems.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the effectiveness of 2D-SWE in evaluating liver fibrosis in patients with CHB.

METHODS

A prospective investigation was conducted after approval by the institutional ethics committee, with 116 out of 133 patients with CHB referred for liver biopsy included and 50 patients with healthy livers selected as controls. Assessment with 2D-SWE of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was compared with histopathological results. Cutoff values for LSM were set to determine the degree of fibrosis, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated.

RESULTS

The optimal LSM cutoff for differentiating healthy livers from livers with CHB and any liver fibrosis was 6.485 kPa, with an AUROC of 0.927, sensitivity of 94%, and specificity of 19.8%. The optimal LSM cutoff values for F1, F2, F3, and F4 were 6.19 kPa, 6.485 kPa, 7.46 kPa, and 9.62 kPa, respectively, with corresponding AUROCs of 0.516, 0.625, 0.779, and 0.881, respectively. Comparisons of AUROCs between F1 and F3, F1 and F4, F2 and F3, and F2 and F4 were all significantly different (P = 0.0001, P < 0.0001, P = 0.0139, and P = 0.0003, respectively); comparisons of AUROCs between F1 and F2 and between F3 and F4 were not significantly different (P = 0.1232 and P = 0.2462, respectively). Comparisons of LSMs between healthy livers and F0 and between healthy livers and a combination of F0 and F1 were significantly different (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively). Comparisons of LSMs between F1 and F2 and between F3 and F4 were not significantly different (P = 0.233 and P = 0.072, respectively). Other comparisons between fibrosis score groups were significantly different (F1 and F3, P = 0.003; F1 and F4, P = 0.007; F2 and F3, P = 0.013; F2 and F4, P = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

2D-SWE using a specific diagnostic ultrasound system is effective for the assessment of severe liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, but is limited in diagnosing mild liver fibrosis.

2D shear wave elastography combined with age and serum biomarkers prior to kasai surgery predicts native liver survival of biliary atresia infants

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients with biliary atresia (BA) after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) varies, and precisely predicting the outcomes of KPE before surgery is still challenging.

METHODS

A total of 158 patients who underwent KPE in our hospital were included in this study. The patients in the training cohort were recruited from January 2012 to October 2017 (n = 118), and then, those in the validation cohort were recruited from November 2017 to April 2019 (n = 40). Combined nomogram models were developed based on two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D SWE) values and other biomarkers. The utility of the proposed models was evaluated by C-index.

RESULTS

2D SWE played a potentially important role in predicting native liver survival (NLS) of BA patients with a C-index of 0.69 (0.63 to 0.75) in the training cohort and 0.76 (0.67 to 0.85) in the validation cohort. The nomogram A based on 2D SWE values, age, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio (APRI) had a better C-index in the training cohort [0.74 (0.68-0.80) vs. 0.66 (0.60-0.73), P = 0.017] and in the validation cohort [0.78 (0.70-0.86) vs. 0.60 (0.49-0.71), P = 0.002] than the nomogram B (without 2D SWE). Using risk score developed from nomogram A, we successfully predicted 88.0% (22/25) of patients in the training cohort and 75.0% (9/12) in the validation cohort to have survival time of less than 12 months after KPE.

CONCLUSION

The combined nomogram model based on 2D SWE values, age, GGT and APRI prior to KPE can effectively predict NLS in BA infants.

Shear wave elastography may be sensitive and more precise than transient elastography in predicting significant fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive measurements including transient elastography (TE) and two-dimensional shear wave elastography (SWE) have been used clinically instead of liver biopsy for regular assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

AIM

To investigate the diagnostic efficiency of SWE compared to TE by assessing independent influencing factors and performance for diagnosing significant fibrosis based on our cohort of treatment-naive CHB patients.

METHODS

Fifty-four treatment-naive CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy to determine whether to initiate antiviral therapy were enrolled. SWE, TE, serum tests and liver biopsy were performed for all participants. The fibrosis-4 and aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index scores were also calculated. Potential independent influencing factors on SWE and TE values were analyzed. Based on liver pathology results, the agreement and correlation were determined, and a comparison of the two methods was performed.

RESULTS

There were 27 cases (50%) of mild fibrosis (F0-F2) and 27 (50%) cases of significant fibrosis (F3-F6); fibrosis was assessed with the Ishak scoring system. Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that the fibrosis stage was the only factor that affected the SWE values (P < 0.001), whereas the total bilirubin level (P = 0.013) and fibrosis stage (P = 0.037) were independent factors that affected TE values. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis showed that the number of independent factors (VIP > 1) was higher for TE than SWE. Bland-Altman analysis showed satisfactory agreement between liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) of SWE and TE. Both SWE and TE could significantly discriminate significant fibrosis from mild fibrosis (P < 0.001). SWE exhibited a higher correlation with LSMs of liver fibrosis than TE (r = 0.65 and 0.50, P < 0.001). The diagnostic performance of SWE was better than that of TE for significant fibrosis (F > 2). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of SWE and TE were 0.786 and 0.714, respectively. The optimal LSM cutoff values of SWE and TE were 9.05 kPa and 8.15 kPa, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Compared to the TE value, the SWE value was less affected by other factors. SWE may be more sensitive and precise than TE in predicting significant fibrosis (> F2) in CHB patients.

Validation of a New Point Shear-Wave Elastography Method for Noninvasive Assessment of Liver Fibrosis: A Prospective Multicenter Study

Objective

To validate the diagnostic value of a new point shear-wave elastography method, S-shearwave elastography (S-SWE; Samsung Medison Co., Ltd.), in noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective multicenter study, liver stiffness (LS) measurements for 600 participants were obtained with both S-SWE and transient elastography (TE). The rates of unsuccessful LS measurements in S-SWE and TE were compared, and correlations between S-SWE and TE measurements were assessed. In 107 patients with histologic reference data, the optimal LS cut-off values for predicting severe fibrosis and cirrhosis on S-SWE were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The LS cut-off values in S-SWE were then validated in 463 patients without histologic reference data by using TE values as the reference standard, and the sensitivity and specificity of the cut-off values for predicting severe fibrosis and cirrhosis were calculated.

Results

The frequency of unsuccessful LS measurements on TE (4.5%, 27/600) was significantly higher than that (0.7%, 4/600) on S-SWE (p < 0.001). LS measurements on S-SWE showed a significant correlation with TE values (r = 0.880, p < 0.001). In 107 patients with histological reference data, the areas under the ROC curves on S-SWE were 0.845 and 0.850, with optimal cut-offs of 7.0 kilopascals (kPa) and 9.7 kPa, for the diagnosis of severe fibrosis and cirrhosis, respectively. Using these cut-off values, S-SWE showed sensitivities of 92.9% and 97.4% and specificities of 89.5% and 83.1% in TE-based evaluations of severe fibrosis and cirrhosis, respectively.

Conclusion

LS measurements on S-SWE were well correlated with those on TE. In addition, S-SWE provided good diagnostic performance for staging of hepatic fibrosis, with a lower rate of unsuccessful LS measurements compared with TE.

Technical Performance of Two-Dimensional Shear Wave Elastography for Measuring Liver Stiffness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective

To assess the technical performance of two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) for measuring liver stiffness.

Materials and Methods

The Ovid-MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for studies reporting the technical performance of 2D-SWE, including concerns with technical failures, unreliable measurements, interobserver reliability, and/or intraobserver reliability, published until June 30, 2018. The pooled proportion of technical failure and unreliable measurements was calculated using meta-analytic pooling via the random-effects model and inverse variance method for calculating weights. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential causes of heterogeneity. The pooled intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for interobserver and intraobserver reliability were calculated using the Hedges-Olkin method with Fisher's Z transformation of the correlation coefficient.

Results

The search yielded 34 articles. From 20 2D-SWE studies including 6196 patients, the pooled proportion of technical failure was 2.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–3.9%). The pooled proportion of unreliable measurements from 20 studies including 6961 patients was 7.5% (95% CI, 4.7–11.7%). In the subgroup analyses, studies conducting more than three measurements showed fewer unreliable measurements than did those with three measurements or less, but no intergroup difference was found in technical failure. The pooled ICCs for interobserver reliability (from 10 studies including 517 patients) and intraobserver reliability (from 7 studies including 679 patients) were 0.87 (95% CI, 0.82–0.90) and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89–0.95), respectively, suggesting good to excellent reliability.

Conclusion

2D-SWE shows good technical performance for assessing liver stiffness, with high technical success and reliability. Future studies should establish the quality criteria and optimal number of measurements.

Ultrasound-guided transient elastography and two-dimensional shear wave elastography for assessment of liver fibrosis: emphasis on technical success and reliable measurements

Purpose

This study investigated whether the use of ultrasound (US) guidance in transient elastography (TE) improved the technical success and reliability of liver stiffness (LS) measurements and whether 2-dimensional (2D) shear wave elastography (SWE) provided reliable LS measurements if TE measurements failed.

Methods

In this prospective study, 292 participants (male:female, 189:103; median age, 60 years) with chronic liver disease (CLD) were enrolled. LS was measured via the consecutive use of conventional TE, 2D-SWE, and US-guided TE. The technical success rates and reliable LS measurement rates of the three elastography techniques were compared. The risk factors for TE failure were assessed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

US-guided TE was associated with a higher technical success rate (281 of 292, 96.2%) and a higher reliable measurement rate (266 of 292, 91.1%) than conventional TE (technical success: 256 of 292, 87.7%; reliable measurements: 231 of 292, 79.1%; P<0.001 for both). In participants for whom conventional TE failed, 2D-SWE provided high rates of technical success (36 of 36, 100%) and reliable measurements (30 of 36, 83.3%). TE failure was associated with female sex (odds ratio [OR], 5.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30 to 26.40), severe reverberation artifacts (OR, 8.79; 95% CI, 3.93 to 19.69), and high skin-to-liver capsule depth (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.39).

Conclusion

US guidance in TE improved the technical success and reliable measurement rates in the assessment of LS in patients with CLD. In participants for whom TE failed, subsequent 2D-SWE successfully delivered reliable LS measurements.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of ultrasound shear elastography and liver steatometry

Detection of liver fibrosis and steatosis at early stages is a difficult task for clinical practice, due to the lack of early signs in routine radiation diagnostics. Aim. To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound shear elastography and ultrasound steatometry of the liver with the use of domestic ultrasonic diagnostic system Angiodin-Sono/N-Ultra. Materials and methods. 264 people held ultrasound elastography and ultrasound steatometry. 38 patients underwent percutaneous puncture liver biopsy and subsequent pathophysiological examination. Results. High correlation of fibrosis obtained at the Angiodin-Sono/N-Ultra and the leading ultrasonic systems with shear elastography was revealed. Cross-sectional comparative analysis of elasticity with the results of liver steatometry was conducted. Conclusions. Results obtained in all groups correlate with the data obtained in studies on Fibroscan. When working with system Angiodin we got a simultaneous comparative analysis of elasticity with the results of liver steatosis. Results appear to be much more stable and compact than those obtained in studies on the Fibroscan. A new diagnostic criterion was revealed the phenomenon of independence of fibrosis and steatosis indices.

2D shear wave elastography (SWE) performance versus vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE/fibroscan) in the assessment of liver stiffness in chronic hepatitis

Background

The assessment of liver stiffness and the degree of fibrosis are important factors affecting the management strategy. Multiple non-invasive tools are now available to offer an adequate alternative to biopsy. In this study, we tried to compare the performance of 2D shear wave elastography (SWE) to the transient elastography/fibroscan as a non-invasive tool in the prediction of liver stiffness. This is a prospective study of 215 patients confirmed by serology to have positive virus C or B infection. 2D SWE was done followed by vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) known as fibroscan at the same session. Biopsy results were collected.

Results

The mean age was 51.07 years ± 6.07 SD. Five cases were excluded due to insufficient data. Fibroscan failed in 30 cases out of 210 cases (failure rate of 14.3%) compared with only 12 patients (6.7% failure rate) while using SWE. Only 180 patients completed the study to the result analysis. SWE results showed significant agreement to the fibroscan results with 86.7% agreement with a tendency for overestimation of the degree of fibrosis (11.7%). The efficacy of SWE was the highest during the assessment of patients with F0 (98.9%), F1 (97.8%), and F4 (93.3%) respectively and relatively low in F2 (92.8%) and F3 (90.6%).

Conclusion

2D SWE is a relatively recent non-invasive tool in the assessment of liver fibrosis grading which can be used as an alternative to the fibroscan with almost similar diagnostic performance especially when fibroscan is not capable to obtain adequate results such as in obesity and ascites.

Liver Stiffness Measured with Two-dimensional Shear-Wave Elastography Is Predictive of Liver-related Events in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease Due to Hepatis B Viral Infection

Background Liver stiffness measurement has been proposed as a noninvasive marker for predicting liver-related complications of cirrhosis. Purpose To evaluate the predictive value of liver stiffness measurement by using two-dimensional (2D) shear-wave elastography (SWE) for liver-related events among patients with chronic hepatitis B. Materials and Methods This retrospective study recruited consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B who were referred for liver biopsy between May 2011 and May 2015. All patients underwent 2D SWE before biopsy, and a subset of patients underwent transient elastography. Patients were followed up for 4 years through the electronic medical records or telephone interviews. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine prognostic factors. Accuracy of prognostic parameters was evaluated by using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results Among 430 patients (mean age, 38 years; range, 18-67 years) including 328 men and 102 women, 29 patients developed liver-related events. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that liver stiffness measured with 2D SWE, spleen longitudinal diameter at US, age, and albumin level were predictive factors of liver-related events. The AUC of the multivariable model was higher (0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86, 0.92) but not significantly different from that of 2D SWE (0.86; 95% CI: 0.82, 0.89; P = .23) and was significantly higher than that of the fibrosis stage (0.72; 95% CI: 0.68, 0.76; P < .001), the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (0.80; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.84; P < .001), and the fibrosis-4 index (0.84; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.87; P = .02). In a subset of patients with available transient elastography (n = 188), the multivariable model, 2D SWE, and transient elastography showed comparable performance (AUC: 0.91 vs 0.86 vs 0.88, respectively). When inflammatory activity was considered, the multivariable model was highly accurate in patients with low-grade inflammation and normal levels of alanine aminotransferase (AUC: 0.97 and 0.94, respectively). Conclusion The multivariable model and two-dimensional shear-wave elastography are more accurate in predicting liver-related events than are the fibrosis stage and serum markers of liver fibrosis tests. © RSNA, 2020 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Two-dimensional shear wave elastography for significant liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To determine the diagnostic performance and cutoff value of two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D SWE) for detecting significant liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

METHODS

A systematic literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library databases and Web of Science was conducted. Bivariate modelling and summary receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) modelling were constructed to summarize the diagnostic performance of 2D SWE. Meta-regression analyses were performed to explore the source of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Eleven eligible studies with 2623 patients were included. 2D SWE showed a summary sensitivity of 88 % (95 % CI: 83-91), specificity of 83 % (95 % CI: 78-88) and area under the ROC curve of 0.92 (95 % CI: 0.89-0.94) for detecting significant fibrosis in CHB patients. The mean threshold of 2D SWE was 7.91 kPa (range: 6.73-10.00 kPa). Notably, the cutoffs of studies excluding patients with history of prior antiviral therapy were generally lower than that of studies without excluding those who had received antiviral treatment, with an average of 7.15 kPa and 8.87 kPa, respectively (p < 0.01). Meta-regression analysis revealed that enrollment of consecutive patients was the only significant factor influencing heterogeneity (p < 0.01). Specifically, studies recruiting consecutive patients with CHB had significantly lower sensitivity than those with absence of consecutive enrolment (0.83 vs 0.92, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

2D SWE is an excellent modality for predicting significant liver fibrosis in CHB populations. Further work is required to establish the cutoffs that account for antiviral treatment as a potential confounding factor.

Shear-wave elastography of the liver in a healthy pediatric population

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the elastic modulus values of normal liver tissue in school-age children by shear wave elastography (SWE) and to study the factors that influence these stiffness measurements.

METHODS

Six hundred and four school-age children (295 girls and 309 boys) who were recruited at a hospital and had normal results of specific laboratory tests and imaging studies underwent SWE examinations. The elastic modulus values were obtained in segment V and VI for each subject and comparisons were made between age groups.

RESULTS

The mean elastic modulus values for school-age children were 6.3 ± 1.1 kPa for segment V and 6.2 ± 1.1 kPa for segment VI. A positive linear trend in liver stiffness was found for the 6 to 9-year-old age group in segments V and VI (R² = 0.076 vs R² = 0.085, respectively, P < .05). No statistically significant difference in liver stiffness was found between genders and between segment groups (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

SWE is a feasible method to measure liver stiffness in the school-age population. We established a normal range of liver elastic modulus values in school-age children, which will provide a basis for evaluating the changes in liver stiffness caused by various diseases.

Evaluation and comparison of the diagnostic performance of routine blood tests in predicting liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B infection

Background & aims: Biopsy is the gold standard for staging liver fibrosis, but it may be accompanied by complications. As an alternative, non-invasive markers such as transient elastography (for liver fibrosis) and certain combinations of routine blood markers (liver function tests, full blood count) have been developed although their clinical significance remains controversial. Here, we compare the diagnostic values of non-invasive markers for liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Methods: Transient elastography and routine laboratory tests were performed in 196 patients. Diagnostic performances were compared and were assessed based on the area under the curve (AUC) of a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: Elevated GGT to platelet ratio (GPR), the fibrosis index FIB-4 [based on age, AST, platelets and ALT], platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and total bilirubin were independent predictors of liver stiffness defined by transient elastography (all P < 0.001). The AUCs of GPR in predicting both advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis were significantly larger than that of FIB-4 (P = 0.037 and P = 0.008, respectively) and AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) (P = 0.008 and P = 0.005). FIB-4, APRI and red cell volume distribution width-to-platelet ratio (RPR) had similar diagnostic values in discriminating different levels of liver fibrosis. Conclusions: GPR showed the best diagnostic value and RPR and PLR are easily available and inexpensive markers in evaluating fibrosis and cirrhosis. The diagnostic values of these laboratory markers are useful in diagnosing advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, and in confirming the different levels of liver fibrosis.

Diagnostic Accuracy of 2-Dimensional Shear Wave Elastography for the Staging of Liver Fibrosis: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the overall accuracy of 2-dimensional shear wave elastography (SWE) for the staging of liver fibrosis.

METHODS

Literature databases and conference abstracts were searched from 2000 to September 2017. Sensitivity, specificity, and other information were extracted from the included studies. Methodological quality was assessed with Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tools. Data were synthesized by a bivariate hierarchical model.

RESULTS

The summary sensitivity and specificity were 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80-0.89) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.72-0.85) for fibrosis stage F≥2, 0.90 (95% CI, 0.87-0.93) and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.80-0.89) for F≥3, and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.84-0.93) and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.89-0.95) for F=4, respectively. The areas under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve for F≥2, F≥3, and F=4 was 0.81, 0.77, and 0.84.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-dimensional SWE is a good noninvasive method for the diagnosis of substantial liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Further studies are needed to assess severe fibrosis and to perform head-to-head comparisons of 2-dimensional SWE and other imaging modalities for the evaluation of liver fibrosis.

Liver Ultrasound Elastography: An Update to the World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology Guidelines and Recommendations

The World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology has produced these guidelines for the use of elastography techniques in liver diseases. For each available technique, the reproducibility, results and limitations are analyzed, and recommendations are given. This set of guidelines updates the first version, published in 2015. Since the prior guidelines, there have been several advances in technology. The recommendations are based on the international published literature, and the strength of each recommendation is judged according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. The document has a clinical perspective and is aimed at assessing the usefulness of elastography in the management of liver diseases.

Reproducibility of liver stiffness measurements made with two different 2-dimensional shear wave elastography systems using the comb-push technique

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare the technical success and reliability of the measurements made using two 2-dimensional (2D) shear wave elastography (SWE) systems using the comb-push technique from the same manufacturer and to assess the intersystem reproducibility of the resultant liver stiffness (LS) measurements.

Methods

Ninety-four patients with suspected chronic liver diseases were included in this retrospective study. LS measurements were obtained using two 2D-SWE systems (LOGIQ E9 and LOGIQ S8) from the same manufacturer, with transient elastography (TE) serving as the reference standard, on the same day. The technical success rates and reliability of the measurements of the two 2D-SWE systems were compared. LS values measured using the two 2D-SWE systems and TE were correlated using Spearman correlation coefficients and 95% Bland-Altman limits of agreement. Thereafter, Bland-Altman limits of agreement and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to analyze the intersystem reproducibility of LS measurements.

Results

The two 2D-SWE systems showed similar technical success rates (98.9% for both) and reliability of LS measurements (92.3% for the LOGIQ E9, 91.2% for the LOGIQ S8; P=0.185). Despite the excellent correlation (ICC=0.92), the mean LS measurements obtained by the two 2D-SWE systems were significantly different (LOGIQ E9, 6.57±2.33 kPa; LOGIQ S8, 6.90±6.64 kPa; P=0.018).

Conclusion

Significant intersystem variability was observed in the LS measurements made using the two 2D-SWE systems. Therefore, even 2D-SWE systems from the same manufacturer should not be used interchangeably in longitudinal follow-up.

Role of two-dimensional shear wave elastography in chronic liver diseases: A narrative review

Liver biopsy is the gold standard for evaluating the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease. However, due to the many limitations of liver biopsy, there has been much interest in the use of noninvasive techniques for this purpose. Among these techniques real-time two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) has the advantage of measuring tissue elasticity with the guidance of B-mode images. Recently, many studies have been conducted on the application of 2D-SWE in patients with various liver diseases, and their validity has been confirmed. Here, we briefly discuss the role of 2D-SWE in patients with chronic liver diseases, particularly aspects of the examination techniques and clinical applications.

Liver Fibrosis with Two-dimensional US Shear-Wave Elastography in Participants with Chronic Hepatitis B: A Prospective Multicenter Study

Purpose To investigate the diagnostic performance of two-dimensional (2D) shear-wave elastography (SWE) in chronic hepatitis B. Materials and Methods This prospective multicenter study from January 2015 to January 2016 was conducted at 12 hospitals and included 654 participants with chronic hepatitis B who had undergone liver biopsy and 2D SWE examination. Participants were divided into chronic infection and chronic hepatitis groups. The diagnostic performance of 2D SWE was compared with the aspartate amino transferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), the Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), and transient elastography (TE) by using a DeLong test and was also compared between two subgroups. Dual cutoff values for cirrhosis were determined with multilevel likelihood ratio analysis. Results Overall, 402 participants with chronic hepatitis B were enrolled (154 with chronic infection and 248 with chronic hepatitis). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 2D SWE (0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83, 0.90) were higher than those of TE (0.80; 95% CI: 0.68, 0.88), APRI (0.70; 95% CI: 0.65, 0.74), and FIB-4 (0.73; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.78) in cirrhosis. The high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.92; 95% CI: 0.87, 0.96) was achieved in the chronic infection group and was significantly higher than that of the chronic hepatitis group (0.84; 95% CI: 0.78, 0.88; P = .017). Dual cutoff values with the likelihood ratios below 0.1 and above 10 (8.4 kPa and 11.0 kPa to rule out and rule in a diagnosis of cirrhosis, respectively) were effectively determined in chronic infection; a total of 81.2% (125 of 154) participants with cirrhosis were definitively diagnosed. Conclusion The performance of two-dimensional (2D) shear-wave elastography (SWE) was higher than that of other noninvasive methods. 2D SWE was most effective in ruling in and ruling out cirrhosis in participants with chronic infection, which may prompt antiviral treatment. © RSNA, 2018 Online supplemental material is available for this article.