Computed tomography perfusion correlated with shear wave elastography in assessing the severity of chronic liver diseases

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of computed tomography (CT) perfusion for quantitative measurement of hepatic perfusion as an useful tool in the evaluation of the severity of chronic liver diseases in correlation with shear wave elastography. Background CT perfusion is a noninvasive, safe technique for quantifying hepatic perfusion parameters, which is correlated significantly with the severity of chronic liver disease. Patients and methods This prospective study was carried out from October 2016 to December 2017, 80 patients with chronic liver disease and 20 patients without liver disease (control group) underwent CT perfusion and shear wave elastography (acoustic radiation force impulse imaging). Using the Child–Pugh classification for chronic liver disease patients, 35 patients were classified as Child A, 35 as Child B, and 10 as Child C. Total blood flow, total blood volume, hepatic perfusion index (HPI), mean transit time, and total liver perfusion for both liver lobes were measured for all patients. Results Total blood flow tended to decrease with the severity of chronic liver disease. HPI of the control group was significantly different from those of Child B and C, so HPI correlated significantly with the degree of fibrosis and linear relationship with acoustic radiation force impulse imaging results. However, there were changes in total blood volume and mean transit time between each groups, but not significant. Conclusion CT perfusion is a noninvasive technique for quantifying hepatic perfusion parameters and is useful tool for the evaluation of the severity of chronic liver diseases.