Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography and liver fibrosis risk scores in severe obesity

ABSTRACT Objective: Identifying significant fibrosis is crucial to evaluate the prognosis and therapeutic interventions in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We assessed the performance of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography, APRI, FIB-4, Forns, NFS and BARD scores in determining liver fibrosis in severe obesity. Subjects and methods: A prospective study included 108 patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Liver biopsy specimens were obtained intraoperatively and classified according to the NAFLD Activity Score. Patients were assessed with serological markers and shear wave velocity of the liver was measured with the Siemens S2000 ultrasound system preoperatively. Optimal cut-off values were determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC). Results: In the entire cohort prevalence of NAFLD was 80.6%, steatohepatitis 25.9% and significant fibrosis 19.4%. The best tests for predicting significant fibrosis were FIB-4 and Forns scores (both AUROC 0.78), followed by APRI (AUROC 0.74), NFS (AUROC 0.68), BARD (AUROC 0.64) and ARFI (AUROC 0.62). ARFI elastography was successful in 73% of the patients. Higher body mass index (BMI) correlated with invalid ARFI measurements. In patients with BMI < 42 kg/m2, ARFI showed 92.3% sensitivity and 82,6% specificity for the presence of significant fibrosis, with AUROC 0.86 and cut-off 1.32 m/s. Conclusions: FIB-4 and Forns scores were the most accurate for the prediction of significant fibrosis in bariatric patients. Applicability and accuracy of ARFI was limited in individuals with severe obesity. In patients with BMI < 42 kg/m2, ARFI elastography was capable for predicting significant fibrosis with relevant accuracy.

Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography and liver fibrosis risk scores in severe obesity.

OBJECTIVE: Identifying significant fibrosis is crucial to evaluate the prognosis and therapeutic interventions in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We assessed the performance of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography, APRI, FIB-4, Forns, NFS and BARD scores in determining liver fibrosis in severe obesity. METHODS: A prospective study included 108 patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Liver biopsy specimens were obtained intraoperatively and classified according to the NAFLD Activity Score. Patients were assessed with serological markers and shear wave velocity of the liver was measured with the Siemens S2000 ultrasound system preoperatively. Optimal cut-off values were determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC). RESULTS: In the entire cohort prevalence of NAFLD was 80.6%, steatohepatitis 25.9% and significant fibrosis 19.4%. The best tests for predicting significant fibrosis were FIB-4 and Forns scores (both AUROC 0.78), followed by APRI (AUROC 0.74), NFS (AUROC 0.68), BARD (AUROC 0.64) and ARFI (AUROC 0.62). ARFI elastography was successful in 73% of the patients. Higher body mass index (BMI) correlated with invalid ARFI measurements. In patients with BMI < 42 kg/m2, ARFI showed 92.3% sensitivity and 82,6% specificity for the presence of significant fibrosis, with AUROC 0.86 and cut-off 1.32 m/s. CONCLUSION: FIB-4 and Forns scores were the most accurate for the prediction of significant fibrosis in bariatric patients. Applicability and accuracy of ARFI was limited in individuals with severe obesity. In patients with BMI < 42 kg/m2, ARFI elastography was capable for predicting significant fibrosis with relevant accuracy.

Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography and serum fibrosis markers in chronic hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVE: Liver biopsy (LB) remains the gold standard for the assessment of liver fibrosis, although it is invasive and can have complications. The present study compares several noninvasive methods of fibrosis assessment in chronic hepatitis C (CHC), including acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography, aspartate aminotransferase:platelet ratio index (APRI), Forns, FIB-4, and King scores versus percutaneous LB. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 51 untreated CHC patients. Biological tests necessary for the calculation of the scores (according to the classic formulas) were performed within a week of LB. The time interval between LB and tissue stiffness, assessed according to the Metavir score, was <6 months. Cutoff values were determined using area under receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUROC). RESULTS: The best test for predicting significant fibrosis (F ≥2 Metavir) was ARFI elastography with an AUROC of 0.90, followed by FIB-4 (AUROC = 0.86), King (AUROC = 0.85), Forns (AUROC = 0.84), and APRI (AUROC = 0.82). For a cutoff of 1.31 m/s, ARFI had 89.3% sensitivity (Se) and 87% specificity (Sp). The best test for predicting cirrhosis was ARFI elastography with an AUROC of 0.98, followed by FIB-4 (AUROC = 0.94), King (AUROC = 0.90), APRI (AUROC = 0.82), and Forns (AUROC = 0.81). For a cutoff of 1.95 m/s, ARFI had 100% Se and 95.2% Sp. CONCLUSION: ARFI elastography had very good accuracy for the assessment of liver fibrosis. It was more effective than APRI, Forns, King, and FIB-4 scores for the prediction of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in CHC patients.

Síndrome de Mauriac / Mauriac syndrome

Síndrome de Mauriac pode ocorrer em crianças com diabetes mellitus tipo 1 de difícil controle e é caracterizada por baixa estatura, atraso puberal, hepatomegalia e características cushingoides. Relatamos o caso de um menino diabético de 14 anos, que apresentou hepatomegalia, baixa estatura, atraso puberal, aminotransferases elevadas, lipídeos séricos elevados e difícil controle metabólico. Ultrassom abdominal confirmou a hepatomegalia; biópsia hepática foi compatível com glicogenose. A função hepática anormal, lipídeos séricos elevados e hepatomegalia decresceram depois do controle metabólico. Concluímos que hepatomegalia pode ser vista em pacientes diabéticos como acúmulo de glicogênio resultante do consumo excessivo de alimentos e insulina. Na glicogenose hepática os achados patológicos melhoram quando há o controle glicêmico...

Linfoma Burkitt primário de íleo terminal simulando doença inflamatória intestinal / Primary Burkitt limphoma of the terminal ileum simulating inflammatory bowel disease

Linfoma Burkitt é uma neoplasia de células B maduras agressiva. Possui três variantes clínicas: endêmico, esporádico e associado à imunodeficiência. Estes subtipos são semelhantes morfologicamente e nas características imunofenotípicas, mas se diferem quanto à apresentação clínica e geográfica. No tipo esporádico é comum o acometimento abdominal, podendo haver obstrução, sangramento ou intussuscepção intestinal. Relato do caso: paciente 19 anos, masculino, referindo dor em quadrante inferior direito do abdome, associado a náuseas, vômitos e distensão abdominal há 30 dias. No exame físico do abdome apresentava massa palpável em fossa ilíaca direita. O ultrassom e a tomografia revelaram intussuscepção intestinal. Laparotomia exploradora foi realizada evidenciando massa no íleo terminal com intussuscepção para dentro do ceco. Colectomia direita ampliada foi realizada. Após exame patológico da peça e estadiamento tumoral, linfoma de Burkitt primário foi diagnosticado. A recuperação pós-operatória não apresentou intercorrências e o paciente foi encaminhado para quimioterapia adjuvante.

Anicteric cholangiopathy in schistosomiasis patients.

UNLABELLED: We previously reported that in anicteric patients with the isolated form of schistosomiasis (without co-morbidities) an ursodeoxycholic acid-sensitive increase in serum gamma-glutamyltransferase activity (gammaGT) occurs. We now describe the presence of cholangiopathy in these patients. METHODS: Sixteen adult anicteric patients with the isolated form of schistosomiasis mansoni were carefully selected: nine with increased gammaGT and seven with normal gammaGT. High sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP), to exclude inflammatory status, hyaluronic acid (HA), and other laboratory parameters were determined. The ultrasonographic study measured spleen length, portal vein and splenic vein diameters, and the portal flow. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) images were interpreted by a blind observer. MRCP was deemed abnormal when focal narrowing and/or paucity of second and third order biliary branches and/or irregularities in the contours of biliary pathways were identified. RESULTS: Both groups (normal and elevated gammaGT) have preserved hepatic function tests (HA, serum albumin, prothrombin time) and clinical significant portal hypertension (low platelet count and ultrasonographic parameters). MRCP was abnormal in all patients with elevated gammaGT but in only 3 of the 7 patients with normal gammaGT (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography characterized a cholangiopatic disorder in anicteric patients with the isolated form of schistosomiasis, even preceding laboratory test alterations.

Avaliação ultra-sonográfica de nódulos sideróticos esplênicos em pacientes esquistossomóticos com hipertensão portal / Ultrasonographic assessment of splenic siderotic nodules in schistosomal patients with portal hypertension", "_i": "en

OBJETIVO: Medir a sensibilidade e a reprodutibilidade da ultra-sonografia na detecção de nódulos sideróticos esplênicos em pacientes esquistossomóticos, tendo a ressonância magnética como padrão de referência. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Na primeira fase do trabalho, 21 pacientes portadores de esquistossomose na forma hepatoesplênica com diagnóstico de nódulos sideróticos à ressonância magnética foram submetidos a avaliação ultra-sonográfica para a determinação da sensibilidade do método. Na segunda fase, com o objetivo de avaliar a reprodutibilidade da ultra-sonografia na detecção e na quantificação de nódulos sideróticos (A: 1-5 nódulos; B: 6-20 nódulos; C: mais de 20 nódulos), outros 30 pacientes esquistossomóticos foram submetidos a avaliação ultra-sonográfica de forma cega e independente por dois observadores. A reprodutibilidade foi medida por meio da concordância entre os observadores e do teste kappa. RESULTADOS: A sensibilidade da ultra-sonografia foi de 95,2 por cento (intervalo de confiança a 95 por cento [77,3 por cento; 99,2 por cento]). A concordância entre ultra-sonografia e ressonância magnética para a detecção de nódulos sideróticos foi de 96,7 por cento (intervalo de confiança a 95 por cento [82,8 por cento; 99,9 por cento]). Para a classificação dos nódulos conforme a sua quantificação, o índice kappa demonstrou concordância interobservador substancial (kappa = 0,67). CONCLUSÃO: A ultra-sonografia é um método que apresenta elevada sensibilidade e boa precisão para a avaliação de nódulos sideróticos esplênicos.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ultrasound sensitivity and reproducibility as compared with magnetic resonance imaging as the gold standard in the detection of splenic siderotic nodules in schistosomal patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Initially, 21 patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and diagnosed with splenic siderotic nodules by magnetic resonance imaging were ultrasonographically evaluated for determining the method sensitivity. In a second phase, the method reproducibility in the detection and quantification of siderotic nodules (A: 1-5 nodules; B: 6-20 nodules; C: > 20 nodules) was evaluated in 30 patients who were submitted to ultrasonography blindly and independently assessed by two observers. Interobserver agreement was measured by kappa statistics. RESULTS: Ultrasound sensitivity was 95.2 percent (95 percent confidence interval [77.3 percent; 99.2 percent]). Intermethod agreement in the detection of siderotic nodules was 96.7 percent (95 percent confidence interval [82.8 percent; 99.9 percent]). For classification of nodules according to their quantification, the kappa test demonstrated a statistically significant interobserver agreement (kappa = 0.67). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is highly sensitive and accurate in the assessment of splenic siderotic nodules in schistosomal patients.

Reprodutibilidade da classificação ultra-sonográfica de Niamey na avaliação da fibrose periportal na esquistossomose mansônica / Reproducibility of ultrasonography in the assessment of periportal fibrosis according to Niamey criteria in patients with schistosomiasis mansoni

OBJETIVO: Medir a concordância intra- e interobservador da classificação ultra-sonográfica qualitativa para graduar a fibrose periportal adotada no encontro de Niamey em 1996. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: No período de fevereiro de 2005 a março de 2006 foi realizado estudo prospectivo, observacional e transversal em 30 pacientes esquistossomóticos, sem outras hepatopatias associadas, submetidos a ultra-sonografia abdominal e classificados segundo os critérios de Niamey. Os exames foram realizados por dois radiologistas de forma independente em diferentes momentos: durante o exame dinâmico (primeiro momento) e 30 e 90 dias depois (segundo e terceiro momentos) do exame, por meio da documentação fotográfica analisada em estação de trabalho. A concordância intra- e interobservador foi avaliada pelo teste kappa. RESULTADOS: A concordância intra-observador medida pelo teste kappa foi 0,43 para o observador 1 e 0,57 para o observador 2. A concordância interobservador durante o estudo dinâmico e na avaliação fotográfica foi, respectivamente, de 0,46 e 0,71. CONCLUSÃO: O uso do ultra-som para classificar a fibrose periportal segundo o protocolo de Niamey apresentou uma reprodutibilidade que variou de moderada a substancial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the intra- and interobserver agreement in the classification of periportal fibrosis, according to the criteria defined at the Niamey Workshop of 1996. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, observational and transverse study was developed in the period between February, 2005 and March, 2006, in 30 schistosomal patients with no other hepatic findings associated, submitted to abdominal ultrasound. Ultrasonographic studies were independently performed and reviewed by two radiologists at three different moments: the dynamic examination itself (first moment), 30 and 90 days later (second and third moments), by means of the images review performed in a workstation. Intra- and interobserver agreement was evaluated by means of the kappa test. RESULTS: Intraobserver agreement was 0.43 for the first, and 0.57 for the second observer. Interobserver agreement as regards the dynamic examination and images review was respectively 0.46 and 0.71. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography demonstrated moderate to substantial reproducibility in the classification of periportal fibrosis according to the Niamey criteria.

Avaliação da concordância entre ressonância magnética de ultra-sonografia na classificação de fibrose periportal em esquitossomóticos, segundo a classificação de Niamey / Agreement between magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography in the classification of schistosomal periportal fibrosis, according to Niamey's criteria

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a reprodutibilidade da ressonância magnética e a concordância entre a ultra-sonografia e a ressonância magnética na classificação da fibrose periportal em pacientes esquistossomóticos, segundo os critérios qualitativos de Niamey. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo prospectivo e duplo-cego, entre fevereiro de 2005 e junho de 2006, em 20 pacientes (10 homens e 10 mulheres, idades entre 24 e 60 anos, média de 42,75 anos) com diagnóstico de esquistossomose mansônica. As imagens de ultra-sonografia e de ressonância magnética foram avaliadas por dois examinadores experientes de forma independente. Foi medida a concordância interobservador para a ressonância magnética e entre a ressonância magnética e a ultra-sonografia. RESULTADOS: A ressonância magnética apresentou resultados concordantes entre os observadores em 14 pacientes (70 por cento). Quando comparamos a ressonância magnética com a ultra-sonografia, obtivemos concordância em apenas seis pacientes pelo observador 1 (30 por cento) e em oito pacientes pelo observador 2 (40 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: A ressonância magnética tem boa reprodutibilidade na avaliação de fibrose periportal em pacientes com esquistossomose avançada, porém sua concordância com a ultra-sonografia é fraca.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reproducibility of magnetic resonance imaging and the agreement between ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in the classification of periportal fibrosis in patients with schistosomiasis based on Niamey's qualitative criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, double-blinded study was conducted between February 2005 and June 2006 with 20 patients (10 men and 10 women, with ages ranging between 24 and 60 years, mean age 42.7 years) diagnosed with schistosomiasis mansoni. Both ultrasound and magnetic resonance images were independently evaluated by two experienced observers. Interobserver agreement was evaluated for findings of periportal fibrosis on magnetic resonance images and in a comparison between magnetic resonance and ultrasound images. RESULTS: The analysis of magnetic resonance images showed total interobserver agreement in 14 patients (70 percent). The comparison between ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging showed agreement between images in only six cases (30 percent) by observer 1, and in eight cases (40 percent) by observer 2. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging presents a good reproducibility in the evaluation of periportal fibrosis in later stages of schistosomiasis, however, the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound is poor.