The role of ultrasound in portal hypertension
Introduction Portal hypertension (PH) is a clinical syndrome characterized by an increase of the pressure gradient between the portal vein (PV) and the inferior vena cava (IVC) above 5 mmHg…
ULTRASONOGRAPHY
Artifacts in liver stiffness evaluation
Overview of artifacts in liver shear wave elastography The use of shear wave elastography techniques proves valuable in providing qualitative and quantitative elasticity maps of the liver. There are, however,…
Noninvasive assessment of liver steatosis with ultrasound techniques
Introduction Worldwide, obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that, as of 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults 18 years or older were overweight, and,…
Staging liver fibrosis with shear wave elastography
Introduction Chronic liver disease is a major worldwide health problem. It may be due to several etiological factors that lead to necroinflammation with subsequent fibrosis (i.e., formation of scar tissue)….
Shear wave dispersion
Introduction Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) is a continually developing technology that provides biomechanical information concerning tissue elasticity (stiffness) by emitting a push pulse, which generates laterally propagating shear waves…
Tips and tricks for liver stiffness evaluation
Before scanning the patient It is important to remember that liver stiffness is measured, not liver fibrosis. Liver stiffness is influenced by fibrosis, inflammation, and congestion. Therefore obtaining clinical information…
Conclusions (multiparametric ultrasound for the work-up of chronic liver disease)
Overview Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and in Chapter 1 the extent of the problem is fully discussed. There are now effective…
Liver shear wave elastography: Guidelines
Introduction Guidelines for the use of elastography in diffuse liver disease have been released by societies or federations of societies. The first set of guidelines was released by European Federation…
Liver stiffness beyond the staging of liver fibrosis
Introduction Shear wave elastography (SWE) assesses stiffness, not fibrosis. In addition to fibrosis, there are some factors or clinical conditions that may lead to an increase of liver stiffness (LS)….
Conventional ultrasound findings in chronic liver disease
Introduction Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a substantial worldwide problem. Any disease that incites liver inflammation can lead to liver fibrosis, which can then progress to cirrhosis. The stage of…
