Evaluation of The Diagnostic Effectiveness of Real Time_x000D_ Shear-Wave Elastography Technique in Chronic Viral and_x000D_ Autoimmune Hepatitis_x000D_

Abstract

Objectives: Real Time Shear-Wave Elastography (SWE) is a new non-invasive method in which shear wave sent by ultrasound probe for the assessment of the tissue stiffness.The purpose of this study to assess liver fibrosis by using RealTime Shear-Wave Elastography method in patients with chronic viral and autoimmune hepatitis.The reference methodfor diagnosis is determined as Knodell and Ishak scoring system.Methods: The patients who had chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, autoimmune hepatitis, cryptogenic hepatitis(n=135) and a control group (n=44) were included in the study. The liver measurements were taken from 6 differentpoints from left to caudate lobe. During each measurement 1-5 MHz convex ultrasound probe was used. The SPSS(18.0) software was used for statistical analysis.Results: The correlation of sonografic elastography values with the histological fibrosis stages was assessed usingSpearman's correlation test. Our results showed a moderately strong correlation between liver stiffness and KnodellIshak histological scoring system. We found that SWE correlated with patient’s Knodell score 14.3 kPa> and Ishak score15.3 kPa> that may suggest significant fibrosis and therefore chronic liver disease.By considering our study results one can conclude that Real Time SWE method as being noninvasive and accuratewould replace the recurrent liver biopsies for detection of fibrosis in cases of chronic hepatitis.Conclusion: According to our study results, it can be concluded that the Real Time SWE method is noninvasive and accurate and will replace repetitive liver biopsies in the detection of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis cases.