Enlarged hepatic hilar lymph node: an additional ultrasonographic feature that may be helpful in the diagnosis of biliary atresia

Porta hepatis lymph nodes on US: not only identify biliary atresia but also predict outcomes after Kasai portoenterostomy surgery

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the usefulness of porta hepatis lymph nodes (PHLNs) on ultrasonography (US) scans in diagnosing biliary atresia (BA) and predicting the outcomes after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) surgery.

METHODS

A total of 668 patients from one hospital were enrolled in the study (542 non-BA and 126 BA). The independent and combined diagnostic efficacy of PHLNs, triangular cord (TC) thickness, and gallbladder morphology were assessed by drawing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and counting the area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). The US features, histopathological findings of PHLNs, and serum total bilirubin (TBIL) levels 3 months post-KPE were correlated.

RESULTS

The AUC, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of PHLNs with hyperechogenicity and a maximum length larger than 8.4 mm were 0.898, 81.8%, 97.8%, 89.6%, and 95.8%, respectively. The combination of PHLNs, TC thickness, and gallbladder morphology achieved the best overall diagnostic efficacy among all indicators with an AUC of 0.927 and a sensitivity of 99.2%. The germinal center number and bile particle number of PHLNs were positively correlated with pathological size and US echogenicity intensity of PHLNs, respectively (r = 0.591, 0.377, p = 0.001, 0.004). The pathological size of PHLNs in BA patients was negatively correlated with jaundice clearance status 3 months after KPE surgery (r = -0.385, p = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

PHLNs with hyperechogenicity and a maximum length > 8.4 mm are useful US indicators for BA diagnosis. Additionally, the enlargement of PHLNs might play a role in predicting outcomes of KPE surgery.

CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

The article proposed for the first time that PHLNs with hyperechogenicity and a maximum length > 8.4 mm are a useful US indicator for diagnosing BA.

KEY POINTS

PHLNs may be helpful in diagnosing BA and predicting outcomes after surgery. Enlarged hyperechoic PHLNs are a useful diagnostic indicator for BA, and play a role in predicting surgical outcomes. These findings can assist clinicians in more accurately diagnosing BA, enabling more timely treatments.

Comparison for the diagnostic performance of early diagnostic methods for biliary atresia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Biliary atresia (BA), a progressive condition affecting canalicular-bile duct function/anatomy, requires prompt surgical intervention for favorable outcomes. Therefore, we conducted a network meta-analysis of common diagnostic methods to assess their performance and provide evidence-based support for clinical decision-making.

METHODS

We reviewed literature in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane for BA diagnostics. The search included gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), direct/combined bilirubin, matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7), ultrasonic triangular cord sign (TCS), hepatic scintigraphy (HS), and percutaneous cholangiocholangiography/percutaneous transhepatic cholecysto-cholangiography (PCC/PTCC). QUADAS-2 assessed study quality. Heterogeneity and threshold effect were evaluated using I2 and Spearman's correlation. We combined effect estimates, constructed SROC models, and conducted a network meta-analysis based on the ANOVA model, along with meta-regression and subgroup analysis, to obtain precise diagnostic performance assessments for BA.

RESULTS

A total of 40 studies were included in our analysis. GGT demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy for BA with a sensitivity of 81.5% (95% CI 0.792-0.836) and specificity of 72.1% (95% CI 0.693-0.748). Direct bilirubin/conjugated bilirubin showed a sensitivity of 87.6% (95% CI 0.833-0.911) but lower specificity of 59.4% (95% CI 0.549-0.638). MMP-7 exhibited a total sensitivity of 91.5% (95% CI 0.893-0.934) and a specificity of 84.3% (95% CI 0.820-0.863). TCS exhibited a sensitivity of 58.1% (95% CI 0.549-0.613) and high specificity of 92.9% (95% CI 0.911-0.944). HS had a high sensitivity of 98.4% (95% CI 0.968-0.994) and moderate specificity of 79.0% (95% CI 0.762-0.816). PCC/PTCC exhibited excellent diagnostic performance with a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 0.900-1.000) and specificity of 87.0% (95% CI 0.767-0.939). Based on the ANOVA model, the network meta-analysis revealed that MMP-7 ranked second overall, with PCC/PTCC ranking first, both exhibiting superior diagnostic accuracy compared to other techniques. Our analysis showed no significant bias in most methodologies, but MMP-7 and hepatobiliary scintigraphy exhibited biases, with p values of 0.023 and 0.002, respectively.

CONCLUSION

MMP-7 and ultrasound-guided PCC/PTCC show diagnostic potential in the early diagnosis of BA, but their clinical application is restricted due to practical limitations. Currently, the cutoff value of MMP-7 is unclear, and further evidence-based medical research is needed to firmly establish its diagnostic value. Until more evidence is available, MMP-7 is not suitable for widespread diagnostic use. Therefore, considering cost and operational simplicity, liver function tests combined with ultrasound remain the most clinically valuable non-invasive diagnostic methods for BA.

Preoperative imaging findings to predict 2-year native liver survival after the Kasai procedure in patients with biliary atresia

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the feasibility of using preoperative imaging indices to predict 2-year native liver survival after the Kasai procedure in patients with biliary atresia (BA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The retrospective review included 190 BA patients who underwent the Kasai procedure between 2000 and 2020, with preoperative US and/or MRI, excluding cases with less than 2-year follow-up period. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify imaging indices to predict 2-year native liver survival. Kasai failure was defined as the need for liver transplantation or death within 2 years of the Kasai procedure.

RESULTS

Of the 90 patients included, all had preoperative US, and 61 also had MRI. Kasai failure occurred in 52% (47/90). Preoperative US identified gallbladder length (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.17-0.95, p = 0.039; cutoff 1.6 cm, AUC 67.66) and biliary cysts (OR 24.64, 95% CI 1.97-308.08, p = 0.013) as significant Kasai failure predictors, with a combined accuracy of 73% (60/82). For patients having both preoperative US and MRI, significant predictors were hepatic artery diameter (OR 6.75, 95% CI 1.31-34.88, p = 0.023; cutoff 2 mm, AUC 73.83) and biliary cysts (OR 23.89, 95% CI 1.43-398.82, p = 0.027) on US, and gallbladder length (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08-0.76, p = 0.014; cutoff 1.2 cm, AUC 74.72) and spleen size (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.02-6.29, p = 0.045; cutoff 6.9 cm, AUC 73.72) on MRI, with a combined accuracy of 85% (52/61).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative US and/or MRI enhance the 2-year native liver survival prediction in BA patients after the Kasai procedure.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

BA patients with hepatic artery diameter > 2 mm (US), gallbladder length < 1.6 cm (US) or < 1.2 cm (MRI), spleen size > 6.9 cm (MRI), and absence of biliary cysts (US/MRI) have a decreased likelihood of 2-year native liver survival.

KEY POINTS

• Preoperative US and/or MRI can predict the probability of achieving 2-year native liver survival following the Kasai procedure. • Combining US and MRI improved the accuracy to 85% for predicting 2-year native liver survival in BA patients. • The hepatic artery diameter > 2 mm (US), gallbladder length < 1.6 cm (US) or < 1.2 cm (MRI), spleen size > 6.9 cm (MRI), and no biliary cysts (US/MRI) are significant predictors of Kasai failure in patients with biliary atresia.

Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Combined With Conventional Ultrasound Features in Diagnosing Biliary Atresia: A Two-Center Retrospective Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To develop and validate a biliary atresia (BA) diagnostic score based on serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels and conventional ultrasound features for discriminating BA in patients with jaundice from two centers.

METHODS

A total of 958 patients from one hospital were classified as the derivation cohort, and 725 patients from another hospital were classified as the validation cohort. The optimal GGT cutoff value for diagnosing BA was calculated in the derivation cohort and subsequently verified in the validation cohort. Gallbladder abnormalities and the triangular cord (TC) sign were evaluated in all patients. A BA diagnostic score was developed for diagnosing BA using the GGT levels, gallbladder abnormalities and the TC sign based on the data from the derivation cohort followed by external validation.

RESULTS

Based on the optimal cutoff value 350.0 U/L, GGT yielded a sensitivity of 59.3% and specificity of 85.4% in diagnosing BA. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC 0.724) was inferior to that of the gallbladder (AUC 0.911, P < .001) and comparable to that of the TC sign (AUC 0.771, P = .128). The combination of GGT and ultrasound diagnosis could help to reduce the misdiagnosis of 9 infants with BA. The BA diagnostic score yielded a sensitivity of 93.3% and specificity of 95.0% with the highest AUC in this study (0.941).

CONCLUSIONS

GGT can add diagnostic value to ultrasound examination when diagnosing BA. The BA diagnostic score based on GGT, gallbladder abnormalities and the TC sign shows satisfactory discrimination abilities in BA.

A nomogram model based on preoperative grey-scale US features and routine serum biomarkers to predict the outcome of infants with biliary atresia after Kasai portoenterostomy

OBJECTIVE

To establish a nomogram to predict the outcome of biliary atresia (BA) infants 3-months post- Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE).

METHODS

BA Infants who underwent KPE from two hospitals were included in the training (n = 161) and validation cohorts (n = 64). A logistic regression equation (Equation A) for predicting the serum total bilirubin (TBIL) level 3-month post-KPE was established in the training cohort. Then, a nomogram was developed based on Equation A in the training cohort and validated in the validation cohort. Moreover, a new equation (Equation B) was generated based on the nomogram and the size of the enlarged hilar lymph nodes (LNs) in the validation cohort. The predictive performance of the nomogram was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and by calculating the area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) prediction values.

RESULTS

A nomogram based on gallbladder morphology and serum levels of TBIL and total protein (TP) was established with AUC (95%CI) of 0.673 (0.595, 0.745) and 0.647 (0.518, 0.763), sensitivity (95%CI) of 71.4% (62.1%,79.6%) and 81.8% (59.7%,94.8%), specificity (95%CI) of 63.3% (48.3%,76.6%) and 47.6% (32.0%,63.6%), PPV (95%CI) of 81.6% (72.5%,88.9%) and 45.0% (29.3%,61.5%), and NPV (95%CI) 49.2% (36.4%,62.1%) and 83.3% (62.6%,95.3%), respectively, in the training and validation cohorts. Furthermore, in the validation cohort, the AUC (95%CI) of Equation B was 0.798 (95%CI: 0.679, 0.888), which was significantly higher than that of the nomogram (P = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

A nomogram based on the pre-KPE gallbladder morphology, TBIL, and TP to predict the outcome of BA 3-months post-KPE is established. Moreover, the addition of the size of the enlarged hilar LNs into the nomogram further improves its predictive value.

Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Biliary Atresia: From Conventional Ultrasound to Artificial Intelligence

Biliary atresia is an aggressive liver disease of infancy and can cause death without timely surgical intervention. Early diagnosis of biliary atresia is critical to the recovery of bile drainage and long-term transplant-free survival. Ultrasound is recommended as the initial imaging strategy for the diagnosis of biliary atresia. Numerous ultrasound features have been proved helpful for the diagnosis of biliary atresia. In recent years, with the help of new technologies such as elastography ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound and artificial intelligence, the diagnostic performance of ultrasound has been significantly improved. In this review, various ultrasound features in the diagnosis of biliary atresia are summarized. A diagnostic decision flow chart for biliary atresia is proposed on the basis of the hybrid technologies, combining conventional ultrasound, elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. In addition, the application of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of biliary atresia with ultrasound images is also introduced.

Latest diagnostic performance of different ultrasonic features for biliary atresia

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA) is an important clinical challenge.

PURPOSE

To summarize the latest diagnostic performance of different ultrasonic (US) features for BA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

MeSH terms "biliary atresia" and "ultrasonography" and related hyponyms were used to search PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Eligible articles were included and data were retrieved. The methodologic quality was assessed by version 2 of the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. Estimated sensitivity and specificity of each US feature were calculated by Stata 14.0.

RESULTS

Fifty eligible studies on 5622 patients were included. Respective summary sensitivity and specificity were 77% (95% CI=69-84) and 98% (95% CI=96-99) for triangular cord sign (TCS) in 32 studies, 86% (95% CI=78-92) and 86% (95% CI=72-94) for shear wave elastography (SWE) in seven studies, 75% (95% CI=65-83) and 92% (95% CI=86-95) for gallbladder and biliary system abnormality (GBA) in 25 studies, and 81% (95% CI=69-90) and 79% (95% CI=67-87) for hepatic artery (HA) enlargement in seven studies. The overall US features from 11 studies yielded a summary sensitivity of 84% (95% CI=72-92) and specificity of 86% (95% CI=77-92).

CONCLUSION

TCS and GBA were the two most widely accepted US features currently used for differential diagnosis of BA. The newly developed SWE was an objective and convenient method with good diagnostic performance. HA enlargement can be used as an auxiliary sign.

Recent advances in the use of ultrasound and related techniques in diagnosing and predicting outcomes in biliary atresia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Biliary atresia (BA) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease and the most common indication for pediatric liver transplantation. The use of ultrasound (US) and related techniques continues to evolve to help diagnose BA as well as potentially to help predict outcomes after treatment with the Kasai portoenterostomy (KP).

RECENT FINDINGS

There are no US findings that are definitive for BA; however, signs which are consistent with BA include gallbladder abnormalities, the triangular cord sign, presence of hepatic subcapsular flow, and hilar lymphadenopathy. Elastography techniques to measure liver stiffness may also increase the diagnostic accuracy of detecting BA, particularly in older infants or without other US findings. In addition, both US and elastography are still being studied as potential methods to predict outcomes after KP such as the development of portal hypertension and the need for liver transplant.

SUMMARY

US findings in the diagnosis of BA are well characterized. Future studies will help determine the utility of elastography in diagnosing BA, as well as both US and elastography in monitoring and predicting disease outcomes after KP.

Investigation into multi-centre diagnosis and treatment strategies of biliary atresia in mainland China

BACKGROUND

Biliary atresia (BA) is an obstructive hepatobiliary disease which manifests during infancy. Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) is the preferred operation for BA, supplemented with glucocorticoids, antibiotics, and choleretic agents. A great deal of research has been carried out regarding diagnosis, operation, and adjuvant therapies of BA, but no consensus had been reached. To understand the variation in diagnosis and treatment strategies of BA across mainland China and to help achieve a unified treatment strategy in the future, this investigation was carried out.

METHODS

This investigation was conducted via electronic questionnaire. The centres were divided into three groups based on their annual caseload: low (0-20)-, mid (21-40)-, and high (≥ 41)-volume group. Differences in the clinical practice among three groups were analyzed by Chi-square test and considered statistically significant at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

41 Centres from 26 different administrative regions were involved. The average age at KPE was mainly 51-60 days (39%, 16/41) and 61-70 days (32%, 13/41). The annual caseload was 0-20 patients in 17 centres, 21-40 patients in 11 centres, and > 40 patients in 13 centres. Preoperative ultrasound and intraoperative cholangiography were performed in all centres. Low-volume centres had a high proportion of MRI (P = 0.005), while the high-volume group had a high proportion of LSM (P = 0.015). Open KPE without liver mobilisation is the most common surgical procedure (71%, 29/41). Open KPE without liver mobilisation was more commonly used in low-volume group (P = 0.044), and laparoscopic KPE was mainly used in high-volume group (P = 0.011). The spur anti-reflux intestinal valve was performed in more than half of the centres (51%, 21/41). The length of the Roux-en-Y loop was ≥ 30 cm in the majority of centres (78%, 32/41). Glucocorticoids and antibiotics were used in most centres (90%, 37/41; 100%, 41/41) with marked variations in type, administration, dose, and duration. Oral ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) was used in 38 centres, in varying doses of 10-20 mg/kg/day. The duration of oral UDCA was over a year in 19 centres.

CONCLUSION

Mainland China has a large number of patients with biliary atresia. Diagnostic and surgical methods vary from centre to centre and are related to its caseload. In most centres, KPE is supplemented with glucocorticoids, antibiotics, and choleretic agents without a standard regimen.

Three-color risk stratification for improving the diagnostic accuracy for biliary atresia

OBJECTIVES

It is challenging to early differentiate biliary atresia from other causes of cholestasis. We aimed to develop an algorithm with risk stratification to distinguish biliary atresia from infantile cholestasis.

METHODS

In this study, we enrolled infants with cholestasis into 2 subgroups from January 2010 to April 2019. A prospective cohort (subgroup 2) of 187 patients (107 with biliary atresia and 80 without biliary atresia) underwent acoustic radiation force impulse elastography. Stepwise regression was used to identify significant predictors of biliary atresia. A sequential algorithm with risk stratification was constructed.

RESULTS

Among 187 patients, shear wave speed > 1.35 m/s and presence of the triangular cord sign were considered high risk for biliary atresia (red), in which 73 of 78 patients (accuracy of 93.6%) with biliary atresia were identified. Afterwards, γ-GT, abnormal gallbladder, and clay stool were introduced into the algorithm and 55 intermediate-risk infants were identified (yellow) with a diagnostic accuracy of 60% for biliary atresia. Of the remaining 54 infants who were classified as low-risk patients (green), the accuracy for excluding biliary atresia was 98.1%. By applying a three-color risk stratification tool, 70.6% patients were identified as either high risk or low risk for biliary atresia (area under the curve, 0.983; sensitivity, 98.7%; specificity, 91.4%). We also estimated the risk of biliary atresia in different color groups, which was 94.7% (95%CI, 94.3-95.5%) in the red group and 7.2% (95%CI, 6.6-8.3%) in the green group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our simple noninvasive approach was able to identify biliary atresia with high accuracy.

KEY POINTS

• Five predictors, namely shear wave speed, triangle cord sign, γ-glutamyl transferase, abnormal gallbladder, and clay stool, were selected to identify biliary atresia in cholestasis. • Shear wave speed > 1.35 m/s and presence of the triangle cord sign were considered high-risk patients with a diagnostic accuracy of 93.6% for biliary atresia. • Risk for biliary atresia was high (red), intermediate (yellow), or low (green). In the red and green group, we achieved an extremely high diagnostic performance (area under the curve, 0.983; sensitivity, 98.7%; specificity, 91.4%).

Hepatic subcapsular or capsular flow in biliary atresia: is it useful imaging feature after the Kasai operation?

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the implications of hepatic subcapsular and capsular flows using ultrasonography (US) in children after Kasai operation.

METHODS

Children who underwent liver US including color Doppler US and microvascular imaging (MVI) from May 2017 to October 2017 were retrospectively included. Children who underwent the Kasai operation for biliary atresia were included in the Kasai group and children with normal liver were included in the control group. Using US results, the number of intrahepatic biliary cysts and the maximum diameter of the spleen were evaluated in the Kasai group. Liver stiffness values were included when patients in the Kasai group had transient elastography (TE) or shear wave elastography (SWE) results. Hepatic subcapsular and capsular flows on color Doppler US and MVI were compared between the two groups using the following scores: 0, no flow reaching the hepatic capsule; 1, any flow reaching the hepatic capsule; and 2, contiguous hepatic capsular flow. The logistic regression test was used to identify associations between age, intrahepatic biliary cysts, spleen size, SWV, TE results, and flow scores measured on Doppler US and MVI in the Kasai group using the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULT

A total of 65 children (mean 7.6 ± 5.3 years), 44 in the Kasai group and 21 in the control group, were included. In the control group, one child had score 1 on MVI and others had score 0 on both Doppler US and MVI. Among the Kasai group, 28 children (63.6%) had score 1, while others had score 0 using Doppler US. Using MVI, 24 children (54.5%) had score 2, 18 children had score 1, and one child had score 0. In the Kasai group, increased liver stiffness on TE was the only factor significantly associated with the presence of subcapsular flow on color Doppler US (OR 1.225, 95% CI 1.020-1.470) and increased spleen size was the only factor significantly associated with increased flow scores on MVI (OR 1.397, 95% CI 1.002-2.724).

CONCLUSION

Detection of hepatic subcapsular, capsular flows on US would be meaningful for children after receiving the Kasai operation.

KEY POINTS

• Hepatic subcapsular or capsular flows can be useful not only for the diagnosis but also for the postoperative follow-up in patients with biliary atresia. • Increased liver stiffness and splenomegaly after the Kasai operation were associated with presence of subcapsular or capsular flow on ultrasonography. • Evaluation of hepatic subcapsular and capsular flows could be needed to assess disease progression after receiving the Kasai operation.