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Huang ZH, Wang LK, Cai SY, Chen HX, Zhou Y, Cheng LK, Lin YW, Zheng MH, Zheng YP. Palm-Sized Wireless Transient Elastography System with Real-Time B-Mode Ultrasound Imaging Guidance: Toward Point-of-Care Liver Fibrosis Assessment. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:189. [PMID: 38248066 PMCID: PMC11154523 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14020189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Transient elastography (TE), recommended by the WHO, is an established method for characterizing liver fibrosis via liver stiffness measurement (LSM). However, technical barriers remain towards point-of-care application, as conventional TE requires wired connections, possesses a bulky size, and lacks adequate imaging guidance for precise liver localization. In this work, we report the design, phantom validation, and clinical evaluation of a palm-sized TE system that enables simultaneous B-mode imaging and LSM. The performance of this system was validated experimentally using tissue-equivalent reference phantoms (1.45-75 kPa). Comparative studies against other liver elastography techniques, including conventional TE and two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), were performed to evaluate its reliability and validity in adults with various chronic liver diseases. Intra- and inter-operator reliability of LSM were established by an elastography expert and a novice. A good agreement was observed between the Young's modulus reported by the phantom manufacturer and this system (bias: 1.1-8.6%). Among 121 patients, liver stiffness measured by this system and conventional TE were highly correlated (r = 0.975) and strongly agreed with each other (mean difference: -0.77 kPa). Inter-correlation of this system with conventional TE and 2D-SWE was observed. Excellent-to-good operator reliability was demonstrated in 60 patients (ICCs: 0.824-0.913). We demonstrated the feasibility of employing a fully integrated phased array probe for reliable and valid LSM, guided by real-time B-mode imaging of liver anatomy. This system represents the first technical advancement toward point-of-care liver fibrosis assessment. Its small footprint, along with B-mode guidance capability, improves examination efficiency and scales up screening for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Hao Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (Z.-H.H.); (L.-K.W.); (L.-K.C.)
| | - Li-Ke Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (Z.-H.H.); (L.-K.W.); (L.-K.C.)
| | - Shang-Yu Cai
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China; (S.-Y.C.); (H.-X.C.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Hao-Xin Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China; (S.-Y.C.); (H.-X.C.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yongjin Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China; (S.-Y.C.); (H.-X.C.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Lok-Kan Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (Z.-H.H.); (L.-K.W.); (L.-K.C.)
| | - Yi-Wei Lin
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; (Y.-W.L.); (M.-H.Z.)
| | - Ming-Hua Zheng
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; (Y.-W.L.); (M.-H.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment for the Development of Chronic Liver Disease in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yong-Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (Z.-H.H.); (L.-K.W.); (L.-K.C.)
- Research Institute for Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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Rinaldi L, Giorgione C, Mormone A, Esposito F, Rinaldi M, Berretta M, Marfella R, Romano C. Non-Invasive Measurement of Hepatic Fibrosis by Transient Elastography: A Narrative Review. Viruses 2023; 15:1730. [PMID: 37632072 PMCID: PMC10459581 DOI: 10.3390/v15081730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transient elastography by FibroScan® (Echosens, Paris, France) is a non-invasive method that can provide a reliable measurement of liver fibrosis through the evaluation of liver stiffness. Despite its limitations and risks, liver biopsy has thus far been the only procedure able to provide data to quantify fibrosis. Scientific evidence and clinical practice have made it possible to use FibroScan® in the diagnostic work-up of several liver diseases to monitor patients' long-term treatment response and for complication prevention. For these reasons, this procedure is widely used in clinical practice and is still being investigated for further applications. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the main applications of transient elastography in the current clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Rinaldi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Luigi Vanvitelli” University of Campania, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.R.); (R.M.)
| | - Chiara Giorgione
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Luigi Vanvitelli” University of Campania, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.R.); (R.M.)
| | - Andrea Mormone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Luigi Vanvitelli” University of Campania, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.R.); (R.M.)
| | - Francesca Esposito
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Luigi Vanvitelli” University of Campania, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.R.); (R.M.)
| | - Michele Rinaldi
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Berretta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98121 Messina, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Marfella
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Luigi Vanvitelli” University of Campania, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.R.); (R.M.)
| | - Ciro Romano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Luigi Vanvitelli” University of Campania, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.R.); (R.M.)
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Cuomo G, Iandoli C, Galiero R, Caturano A, Di Vico C, Perretta D, Adamo PV, Ferrara R, Rinaldi L, Romano C, Sasso FC. Liver Involvement in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: Role of Transient Elastography in the Assessment of Hepatic Fibrosis and Steatosis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13101766. [PMID: 37238250 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13101766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, multisystemic disorder of connective tissue characterized by widespread inflammation, vascular abnormalities, and both skin and visceral organ fibrosis. Tissue fibrosis is the final phase of a complex biological process of immune activation and vascular damage. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess hepatic fibrosis and steatosis in SSc patients by transient elastography (TE). Methods Fifty-nine SSc patients fulfilling the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria were recruited. Clinical and laboratory findings, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), activity index, videocapillaroscopy, echocardiography, and lung function data were analyzed. Liver stiffness (LS) was measured by transient elastography (TE), with 7 kPa used as the cut-off value for significant liver fibrosis. In addition, hepatic steatosis was evaluated by means of controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) findings. Specifically, CAP values ≥ 238 ≤ 259 dB/m were considered consistent with mild steatosis (S1), values ≥ 260 ≤ 290 dB/m were compatible with moderate steatosis (S2), and values ≥ 291 dB/m were indicative of severe steatosis (S3). Results The median age of patients was 51 years, with a median disease duration of 6 years. The median LS was 4.5 (2.9-8.3) kPa; 69.5% of patients had no evidence of fibrosis (F0); 27.1% displayed LS values between 5.2 and 7 kPa; and only 3.4% of patients had LS values > 7 kPa (F3). The median CAP value for liver steatosis was 223 dB/m (IQR: 164-343). Overall, 66.1% of patients did not show evidence of steatosis (CAP values < 238 dB/m); 15.2% showed values consistent with mild (S1) steatosis (CAP value ≥ 238 ≤ 259 dB/m); 13.5% had moderate (S2) steatosis (CAP value ≥ 260 ≤ 290 dB/m); and 5.1% were deemed to have severe steatosis (S3) due to CAP values ≥ 291 dB/m. Conclusions Although systemic sclerosis is associated with fibrosis of the skin and several organs, only 3.4% of our patient population showed evidence of marked liver fibrosis, which is the same prevalence as that expected in the general population. Therefore, fibrosis of the liver did not appear to be a significant concern in SSc patients, albeit moderate fibrosis could still be detected in a significant proportion of subjects. A prolonged follow-up may clarify whether liver fibrosis in SSc patients may still progress. Likewise, the prevalence of significant steatosis was low (5.1%) and depended on the same variables associated with fatty liver disease in the general population. TE was shown to be an easy and valuable method for detection and screening of hepatic fibrosis in SSc patients with no additional risk factors for liver disease and may be useful to assess the potential progression of liver fibrosis over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Cuomo
- Department of Precision Medicine, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Iandoli
- Department of Precision Medicine, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Galiero
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Caturano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Di Vico
- Department of Precision Medicine, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Danilo Perretta
- Department of Precision Medicine, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Pier Vincenzo Adamo
- Department of Precision Medicine, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Ferrara
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Rinaldi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Ciro Romano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Bartolotta TV, Orlando AAM, Dimarco M, Zarcaro C, Ferraro F, Cirino A, Matranga D, Vieni S, Cabibi D. Diagnostic performance of 2D-shear wave elastography in the diagnosis of breast cancer: a clinical appraisal of cutoff values. Radiol Med 2022; 127:1209-1220. [DOI: 10.1007/s11547-022-01546-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Tosun M, Uslu H. Comparison of superb microvascular imaging and shear wave elastography for assessing liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. Ultrasonography 2022; 41:394-402. [PMID: 35026886 PMCID: PMC8942734 DOI: 10.14366/usg.21136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The present study investigated the effectiveness and applicability of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) in determining the degree of liver fibrosis noninvasively in comparison with shear wave elastography (SWE). Methods Ninety-eight consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B who underwent ultrasound (US)-guided needle biopsy were examined using US combined with SMI and SWE. The predictive performance of the two US techniques in staging liver fibrosis and inflammation was compared with reference to the histological findings obtained from liver biopsy. The intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of SMI in vascularity scores were evaluated. Results SWE values and SMI vascular scores were statistically significantly different among fibrosis stages (χ2(3)=76.3, χ2(3)=81.5, P<0.001). The SWE and SMI models significantly predicted fibrosis stages separately, and SMI scores alone predicted fibrosis stages better than SWE values (50.1% for SWE, 63.5% for SMI, P<0.001). A model with both SMI scores and SWE values together explained 73.2% of variance in fibrosis stages. When other clinical and laboratory predictors were added to the model (81.5%, P<0.001), SWE values and SMI scores remained the main predictors of fibrosis stages. SWE and SMI were also applicable in predicting inflammatory grades, explaining 31% and 34% of variance, respectively, and 37.7% when used together (P<0.001). Conclusion Both SWE and SMI had good diagnostic performance in determining the degree of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients. The efficacy of SMI was better than that of SWE. SMI can improve diagnostic performance for staging liver fibrosis and shows potential for estimating necroinflammation of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesude Tosun
- Department of Radiology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Hande Uslu
- Department of Radiology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
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Manesis EK, Schina M, Vafiadis I, Gatos I, Theotokas J, Zoumpoulis P, Drazinos P, Ketikoglou J, Delladetsima IK, Tiniakos DG. Liver stiffness measurements by 2-dimensional shear wave elastography compared to histological and ultrasound parameters in primary biliary cholangitis. Scand J Gastroenterol 2021; 56:1187-1193. [PMID: 34375562 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2021.1928277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Irene Vafiadis
- Department of Internal Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUoA), Athens, Greece
| | - Ilias Gatos
- Diagnostic Echotomography S.A., Attica, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Dina G Tiniakos
- Department of Pathology, Aretaieion Hospital, NKUoA, Athens, Greece.,Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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