Impact of acoustic radiation force impulse imaging in clinical practice of patients after orthotopic liver transplantation

Wildner D, Strobel D, Konturek PC, Görtz R, Croner RS, Neurath M, Zopf S (2014)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2014

Journal

Publisher: Medical Science International Publishing

Book Volume: 20

Pages Range: 2027-35

DOI: 10.12659/MSM.891126

Abstract

Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography is a reliable diagnostic device for quantitative non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease. The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the impact of ARFI in patients after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Therefore, we compared ARFI shear wave velocities with clinical features, non-invasive markers, and the histology of patients following OLT.Post-transplant patients underwent a clinical examination and blood samples were taken. B-mode and Doppler ultrasound (US) of the portal vein and the hepatic artery were performed. Subsequently, a minimum of 10 valid ARFI values were measured in the left and right liver lobe. Liver biopsy was performed if indicated.Between May 2012 and May 2014, 58 Patients after OLT were included in the prospective study. Laboratory markers and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) correlated with ARFI values (r=0.44, p<0.001). The histological (n=22) fibrosis score (Ludwig) was significantly correlated with the ARFI of the biopsy site (r=0.55, p=0.008). The mean shear-wave velocities were significantly increased in advanced fibrosis (F<=2 1.57±0.57 m/s; F>=3 2.85±0.66 m/s; p<0.001), obstructive cholestasis and active viral hepatitis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves for the accuracy of ARFI were 74% (F>=1), 73% (F>=2), 93% (F>=3), and 80% (=F4).ARFI elastography correlates well with laboratory values and with noninvasive and invasive markers of fibrosis in patients after OLT. In this regard, elevated ARFI-velocities should be interpreted with caution in the context of obstructive cholestasis and active viral disease.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Thüringen-Kliniken "Georgius Agricola" Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Wildner, D., Strobel, D., Konturek, P.C., Görtz, R., Croner, R.S., Neurath, M., & Zopf, S. (2014). Impact of acoustic radiation force impulse imaging in clinical practice of patients after orthotopic liver transplantation. Medical Science Monitor, 20, 2027-35. https://doi.org/10.12659/MSM.891126

MLA:

Wildner, Dane, et al. "Impact of acoustic radiation force impulse imaging in clinical practice of patients after orthotopic liver transplantation." Medical Science Monitor 20 (2014): 2027-35.

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