Elastography Data Research Articles

Preoperative Ultrasound Radomics to Predict Posthepatectomy Liver Failure in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a major cause of postoperative mortality in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The study aimed to develop a method based on the two-dimensional shear wave elastography and clinical data to evaluate the risk of PHLF in HCC patients with chronic hepatitis B. This multicenter study proposed a deep learning model (PHLF-Net) incorporating dual-modal ultrasound features and clinical indicators to predict the PHLF risk. The datasets were divided into a training cohort, an internal validation cohort, an internal independent testing cohort, and three external independent testing cohorts. Based on ResNet50 pretrained on ImageNet, PHLF-Net used a progressive training strategy with images of varying granularity and incorporated conventional B-mode and elastography images and clinical indicators related to liver reserve function. In total, 532 HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy at five hospitals were enrolled. PHLF occurred in 147 patients (27.6%, 147/532). The PHLF-Net combining dual-modal ultrasound and clinical indicators demonstrated high effectiveness for predicting PHLF, with AUCs of 0.957 and 0.923 in the internal validation and testing sets, and AUCs of 0.950, 0.860, and 1.000 in the other three independent external testing sets. The performance of PHLF-Net outperformed models of single- and dual-modal US. Preoperative ultrasound imaging combining clinical indicators can effectively predict the PHLF probability in patients with HCC. In the internal and external validation sets, PHLF-Net demonstrated its usefulness in predicting PHLF.

Comparing similarities and differences between NAFLD, MAFLD, and MASLD in the general U.S. population.

Recently, the multisociety Delphi consensus renamed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) terminology [previously renamed metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)] as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The aim of this study was to compare the similarities and differences between NAFLD, MAFLD, and MASLD and to clarify the impact of this new name change. A cross-sectional study of 3,035 general subjects with valid vibration-controlled transient elastography data was conducted based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2020. NAFLD, MAFLD, and MASLD were defined according to the corresponding consensus criteria. Using controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) ≥274 dB/m and liver stiffness measurements (LSM) ≥9.7 kPa as the cutoff values for the presence of hepatic steatosis and advanced liver fibrosis (ALF), the prevalence of NAFLD, MAFLD, and MASLD were 38.01% (95% CI 35.78-40.29%), 41.09% (39.09-43.12%), and 37.9% (35.70-40.14%), respectively, and the corresponding prevalence of ALF was 10.21% (7.09-14.48%), 10.13% (7.06-14.35%), and 10.24% (7.11-14.53%), respectively. The kappa values for the three definitions were above 0.9. The prevalence and severity of the three definitions remained similar when the sensitivity analyses were performed using different CAP thresholds. The prevalence of NAFLD, MAFLD, MASLD, and ALF increased as the number of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) increased. Our findings highlight the consistency among the three definitions, especially between NAFLD and MASLD, so that the new consensus will not disturb the original NAFLD-related findings. Additionally, more attention should be paid to patients with a high number of CMRFs.

Low-to-moderate alcohol consumption is associated with increased fibrosis in individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Both metabolic dysfunction and alcohol consumption cause steatotic liver disease (SLD). The distinction between metabolic dysfunction-associated SLD (MASLD) and MetALD categories is based on arbitrary thresholds of alcohol intake. Thus, we assessed the impact of different levels of alcohol consumption on SLD severity and their interaction with metabolic comorbidities. We performed a population-based study with transient elastography (FibroScan®) data from participants in Spain (derivation cohort) and the US (validation cohort). A controlled attenuation parameter ≥275dB/m was used to define SLD. At least one cardiometabolic risk factor was required to define MASLD. Among patients with MASLD, low alcohol consumption was defined as an average of 5-9 drinks/week, moderate consumption as 10-13 drinks/week for females and 10-20 drinks/week for males, and increased alcohol intake (MetALD) as 14-35 drinks/week for females and 21-42 drinks/week for males. Significant fibrosis was defined as a liver stiffness measurement ≥8kPa and at-risk metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) as a FAST score ≥0.35. The derivation cohort included 2,227 individuals with MASLD (9% reported low, 14% moderate alcohol consumption) and 76 cases with MetALD. Overall prevalences of significant fibrosis and at-risk MASH were 7.6% and 14.8%, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, alcohol consumption was independently associated with significant fibrosis and at-risk MASH. A dose-dependent increase in the prevalence of significant fibrosis and at-risk MASH was observed between the number of drinks/week and the number of cardiometabolic factors. The validation cohort included 1,732 participants with MASLD, of whom 17% had significant fibrosis and 13% at-risk MASH. This cohort validated the association between moderate intake and MASLD at risk of progression (odds ratio 1.69, 95% CI 1.06-2.71). Moderate alcohol intake is commonly seen in MASLD and increases the risk of advanced disease to a level similar to that observed in MetALD. Metabolic risk factors such as overweight, diabetes or dyslipidemia, and alcohol consumption can cause liver disease. These factors frequently coexist, but their joint effects on liver fibrosis remain uncertain. In this study, we have analyzed individuals from the general population with MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) enrolled in Spain and the US. We show that moderate alcohol consumption has a supra-additive effect with metabolic risk factors, exponentially increasing the risk of liver fibrosis. These results suggest that there are no safe limits of daily alcohol intake in patients with unhealthy metabolic status and MASLD.

Development of a deep learning-based automatic detection model for gastroesophageal varices using transient elastography

Backgroundand Purpose: This study investigates the application of deep learning in the early detection and risk assessment of gastroesophageal varices (GOV), focusing on non-invasive methods using transient elastography. MethodsThe study employs DenseNet201 and an enhanced DenseNet201-with-SSMV (Spleen Stiffness Measurement Value) models. These models are trained and tested on a dataset comprising clinical and transient elastography data from patients. The methodology includes preprocessing of data, model training, and validation. To compare the performance of these models, metrics such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve are utilized. Additionally, a thorough cross-validation process is implemented to ensure the robustness and generalizability of the models. The study aims to establish the superiority of the DenseNet201-with-SSMV model over the standard DenseNet201 by demonstrating enhanced predictive performance in detecting gastroesophageal varices. ResultsThe DenseNet201-with-SSMV model demonstrated superior performance with a training accuracy of 94.25%, sensitivity of 91.70%, specificity of 96.19%, and AUC of 0.988 (95% CI: 0.982–0.994). In testing, it achieved an accuracy of 90.15%, sensitivity of 84.03%, specificity of 94.76%, and AUC of 0.946 (95% CI: 0.919–0.973), outperforming the DenseNet201 model. The study demonstrates the superior performance of the DenseNet201-with-SSMV model over the standard DenseNet201, particularly in accuracy and predictive capabilities. ConclusionThe integration of clinical indicators with deep learning models offers a promising, non-invasive approach for GOV detection, with potential implications for liver disease management. The study also identifies the need for larger datasets and exploration of additional clinical indicators to enhance model performance.

Brain elastography in aging relates to fluid/solid trendlines

The relatively new tools of brain elastography have established a general trendline for healthy, aging adult humans, whereby the brain’s viscoelastic properties ‘soften’ over many decades. Earlier studies of the aging brain have demonstrated a wide spectrum of changes in morphology and composition towards the later decades of lifespan. This leads to a major question of causal mechanisms: of the many changes documented in structure and composition of the aging brain, which ones drive the long term trendline for viscoelastic properties of grey matter and white matter? The issue is important for illuminating which factors brain elastography is sensitive to, defining its unique role for study of the brain and clinical diagnoses of neurological disease and injury. We address these issues by examining trendlines in aging from our elastography data, also utilizing data from an earlier landmark study of brain composition, and from a biophysics model that captures the multiscale biphasic (fluid/solid) structure of the brain. Taken together, these imply that long term changes in extracellular water in the glymphatic system of the brain along with a decline in the extracellular matrix have a profound effect on the measured viscoelastic properties. Specifically, the trendlines indicate that water tends to replace solid fraction as a function of age, then grey matter stiffness decreases inversely as water fraction squared, whereas white matter stiffness declines inversely as water fraction to the 2/3 power, a behavior consistent with the cylindrical shape of the axons. These unique behaviors point to elastography of the brain as an important macroscopic measure of underlying microscopic structural change, with direct implications for clinical studies of aging, disease, and injury.

Response to semaglutide of non-drinker subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) displays a worse prognosis in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D); effective treatments are, so far, scanty. Semaglutide showed efficacy in improving steatohepatitis. We longitudinally observed a MASLD cohort of T2D subjects starting semaglutide, to detect an improvement of non-invasive surrogates of steatosis and fibro-inflammatory liver involvement, evaluating the role of mild alcohol consumption. In 62 overweight/obese T2D subjects with MASLD (36 non-drinker and 26 mild alcohol consumers), anthropometric, bio-humoral and transient elastography (TE) data were collected before (T0) and after an average time of 6.4 month (T1) from injective semaglutide prescription. Circulating levels of hormones (GIP, GLP-1, glucagon, insulin) and inflammatory markers (TNFα, MCP-1, IL-18, IL-10) were measured. Steatotic and necro-inflammatory liver involvement was evaluated with FibroScan controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness (LS), respectively. Significant (p < 0.006) T0-T1 reductions of BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, and HbA1c were observed. AST (-10 ± 3 IU/L), ALT (-18 ± 5 IU/L), GGT (-33 ± 15 IU/L), CAP (-25 ± 8 dB/m) and LS (-0.8 ± 0.4kPa) were reduced, too. GLP-1 increased (+ 95.9 pM, p < 0.0001) and IL-18 was reduced (-46.6 pg/ml, p = 0.0002). After adjustment for confounders, CAP improving was only related to GLP-1 increase (ß=-0.437, p = 0.0122). Mild alcohol intake did not influence these relations. Use of semaglutide in subjects with T2D and MASLD is associated with a significant decline of liver steatosis and necroinflammation proxies; mild alcohol assumption did not exert any influence. An independent effect of GLP-1 raise was observed on reduction of steatosis, irrespective of alcohol consumption.

Abstract PO1-07-06: Sonographic assessment of breast implants using strain elastography and shear wave elastography in an animal model

Abstract Purpose: To date, MRI remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of breast implant rupture. As MRI is an expensive procedure with limited availability, improvement in sonographic assessment is desirable. A potentially useful tool in this regard is the assessment of tissue stiffness using ultrasound elastography. Strain elastography provides a qualitative analysis by producing a coloured map in the B-mode image comparing the stiffness of adjacent tissues in the region of interest, whereas shear wave elastography provides a quantitative analysis. To evaluate the diagnostic utility of both methods under standardised conditions, we developed an animal model. Under natural conditions, the physiology of the patient (e.g. the amount and stiffness of the breast tissue covering the implant in question) can influence the measurements and alter the data. Therefore, the animal model provides an excellent opportunity to compare ruptured and intact implants of different types and sizes under exactly the same conditions, neglecting individual characteristics of real patients. Methods: An animal model was created by preparing an implant site in a chicken breast, mimicking the layers of tissue typically covering a breast implant after mastectomy (skin, fat, muscle). Different fractured and intact implants were inserted. Measurements were made using strain elastography and shear wave elastography by an investigator with no further experience of breast ultrasound. Implants were scanned in five pre-defined planes in both intact and ruptured conditions. For strain elastography, the resulting images were examined for repetitive patterns. Shear wave elastography data were analysed for significant differences between ruptured and intact implants. Results: The chicken breast animal model produced realistic images and measurements comparable to those of a human breast. Therefore, ruptured and intact implants could be compared under standardised conditions. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between intact and ruptured implants in shear wave elastography data. However, qualitative analysis using strain wave elastography showed different patterns when comparing intact and ruptured implants in the animal model. Intact implants showed a characteristic three-layer sonographic image at certain levels. Conclusion: Shear wave elastography does not appear to provide reliable data for the evaluation of breast implants, whereas qualitative analysis using strain wave elastography may be a useful tool to improve diagnostic accuracy. Citation Format: Hanna Fritsch, Melisa Celik, Matthias Warm, Fabinshy Thangarajah, Anett Pisek, Christian Eichler. Sonographic assessment of breast implants using strain elastography and shear wave elastography in an animal model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-07-06.

Biochemical and structural changes in bile in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

The purpose of the work is to diagnose the early stage of cholelithiasis through a comprehensive study of bile in patients with NAFLD. Materials and methods. We examined 210 patients with NAFLD at the steatosis stage. The diagnosis was confirmed based on general clinical indicators, ultrasound and liver elastography data, and assessment of blood enzyme levels. All patients underwent ultrasound examination of the gallbladder, study of the microscopic and physicochemical properties of bile (specific gravity, acidity, surface tension, viscosity, lithogenicity indices, cholesterol content, bile acids, phospholipids) obtained as a result of multifractional duodenal intubation, and crystallography. Results: Ultrasound examination revealed biliary sludge in 72% of patients. Microscopic examination of bile revealed crystals of cholesterol and calcium bilirubinate in 75.4% of patients. Biochemical analysis of bile revealed significant changes, expressed in increased cholesterol, decreased bile acids, phospholipids, cholate-cholesterol and phospholipid-cholesterol ratios. A study of the physical properties revealed thickening of bile and an increase in its viscosity. Crystallography revealed elements with high optical activity, which became the basis for the formation of gallstones. Conclusions: In patients in the steatosis stage of NAFLD, a decrease in lithogenicity indices, an increase in acidity and thickening of bile are determined, indicating the tendency of bile to stone formation. Signs of biliary sludge (putty-like bile, microlithiasis), characteristic of stage I cholelithiasis, are detected by ultrasound of the gallbladder in 72% of patients in the steatosis stage of NAFLD. Bile crystallography made it possible to identify crystal optical markers indicating changes in the microstructure of gallbladder bile in patients in the steatosis stage of NAFLD. When conducting an examination of patients with NAFLD in the steatosis stage, to diagnose the early stage of cholelithiasis, it is recommended to conduct multifractional duodenal intubation with subsequent study of the physicochemical properties and structural changes of bile.

Evaluation of MR Elastography as a Noninvasive Diagnostic Test for Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is a condition resulting from a leak of CSF from the spinal canal arising independent of a medical procedure. Spontaneous intracranial hypotension can present with normal brain MR imaging findings and nonspecific symptoms, leading to the underdiagnosis in some patients and unnecessary invasive myelography in others who are found not to have the condition. Given the likelihood that spontaneous intracranial hypotension alters intracranial biomechanics, the goal of this study was to evaluate MR elastography as a potential noninvasive test to diagnose the condition. We performed MR elastography in 15 patients with confirmed spontaneous intracranial hypotension from September 2022 to April 2023. Age, sex, symptom duration, and brain MR imaging Bern score were collected. MR elastography data were used to compute stiffness and damping ratio maps, and voxelwise modeling was performed to detect clusters of significant differences in mechanical properties between patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension and healthy control participants. To evaluate diagnostic accuracy, we summarized each examination by 2 spatial pattern scores (one each for stiffness and damping ratio) and evaluated group-wise discrimination by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension exhibited significant differences in both stiffness and damping ratio (false discovery rate-corrected, Q < 0.05). Pattern analysis discriminated patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension from healthy controls with an area under the curve of 0.97 overall, and the area under the curve was 0.97 in those without MR imaging findings of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Results from this pilot study demonstrate MR elastography as a potential imaging biomarker and a noninvasive method for diagnosing spontaneous intracranial hypotension, including patients with normal brain MR imaging findings.

Evaluation of Usability and Efficacy of Strain Elastography Method Concurrently with Preoperative Ultrasonography in Cases of Hydatid Cyst

Abstract Background: Hydatid cysts (HCs), which are among the cystic lesions of the liver, are frequently encountered in endemic areas. Routine imaging modalities are sometimes insufficient to differentiate HC types, and ultrasound (US) elastography has just begun to be used for this purpose. In this study, the effectiveness of the strain elastography (SE) method in preoperative HC cases was investigated, and the relationship between HC types and elastography values was evaluated. Methods: HC cases that underwent SE simultaneously with preoperative US between January 2019 and February 2021 were evaluated retrospectively, and 75 cases were included in the study. In addition to elastography data, cyst typing according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification was also available. Results: Thirty cases were male and 45 cases were female, the median age was 48 years, and the interquartile range was 41 years. According to the WHO classification, 15 cases were Type I, 27 cases were Type II, and 33 cases were Type III HC. Median strain ratio (SR) values were 5.69 (4.07–14.47) for Type I, median 1.49 (1.26–1.74) for Type II, and median 0.21 (0.13–0.30) for Type III, and there was a highly significant relationship between HC types and SR values (P &lt; 0.001). There was also a very strong (-) directional correlation between HC type and strain rate (P &lt; 0.001, Spemann rho (ρ): −0.928). Conclusion: US elastography is a new modality in the diagnosis of HC types, and there are few studies available. In this study, unlike the literature, it is the first time that HC typing and discrimination have been used using the SE technique, which is remarkable.

"Fontan Conduit Stent-Angioplasty and Progression of Fontan-Associated Liver Disease".

Patients with Fontan circulation insidiously develop congestive hepatopathy related to chronically reduced cardiac output and central venous hypertension, also known as Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD). Fontan pathway obstruction is increasingly detected and may accelerate FALD. The impact of conduit stent angioplasty on FALD is unknown. Retrospective, single-center review of patients with Fontan circulation who underwent conduit stent angioplasty at cardiac catheterization over 5-year period. Demographics and cardiac histories were reviewed. Labs, liver ultrasound elastography, echocardiogram, hemodynamic and angiographic data at catheterization were recorded pre- and post-stent angioplasty. Primary outcome was change in hepatic function via MELD-XI scores and liver stiffness (kPa), with secondary outcomes of ventricular function, BNP, and repeat catheterization hemodynamics. 33 patients underwent Fontan conduit stent angioplasty, 19.3 ± 7.0years from Fontan operation. Original conduit diameter was 19.1 ± 1.9mm. Prior to angioplasty, conduit size was reduced to a cross-sectional area 132 (91, 173)mm2 and increased to 314 (255, 363)mm2 post-stent. Subjects' baseline median MELD-XI of 11 (9, 12) increased to 12 (9, 13) at 19 ± 15.5months post-angioplasty (n = 22, p = 0.053). There was no significant change in liver stiffness at 12.1 ± 8.9months post-angioplasty (n = 15, p = 0.13). Median total bilirubin significantly increased (1.4 [0.9, 1.8]), from baseline 1.1 [0.7, 1.5], p = 0.04), as did median BNP (41 [0, 148] from baseline 34 [15, 79]; p = 0.02). There were no significant changes in ventricular function or repeat invasive hemodynamics (n = 8 subjects). Mid-term follow-up of Fontan subjects post-conduit stent angioplasty did not show improvements in non-invasive markers of FALD.

A293 PREVALENCE OF METABOLIC ASSOCIATED STEATOTIC LIVER DISEASE AND ITS IMPACT ON ADVERSE OUTCOMES IN PRIMARY BILIARY CHOLANGITIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background Metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is highly prevalent among Canadians, thus making coexistence with other liver diseases inevitable. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is the most common autoimmune liver disease diagnosed in one out of 1,000 women above 40. The impact of concomitant MASLD on liver outcomes in patients with PBC is unclear. Aims We aimed to determine the prevalence of MASLD among patients with PBC and the association between concomitant liver disease and adverse liver outcomes. Methods PBC patients diagnosed between 1984 and 2023 and followed up at the University of Alberta with vibration-controlled transient elastography data available were included. MASLD was diagnosed if the Controlled Attenuation Parameter ≥288 dB/min with at least one cardio-metabolic criteria, based on elevated body mass index, blood pressure, and abnormal glycemic and lipid tests. Proportions were compared using chi-square, medians – Mann-Whitney test. We utilized a Cox hazards regression model to calculate hazard ratios and determine associations between MASLD and the development of cirrhosis or decompensation, need for liver transplant, or death. Results A total of 115 patients (87.0% females, age at diagnosis 52.3±11.5 years) followed over a median duration of 11.0 [range 0.1-39.7] years) were included. The prevalence of MASLD (33.0% [n=38]) was higher in females than males (35.0%[n=35] vs. 20.0%[n=3]; p=0.249). The prevalence of cirrhosis at diagnosis was twice as high among PBC patients with MASLD than those without (26.3%[n=10] vs. 13.0%[n=10]; p=0.076). No difference was observed in the frequency of decompensation at diagnosis (8.8%[n=3] vs. 6.3%[n=4]; p=0.638). Cirrhosis frequency (50.0% vs. 50.6%; p=0.948) and decompensation (38.2% vs.37.1%; p=0.912) over the course of the disease were similar between PBC patients with and without MASLD. There was no association between MASLD and development of cirrhosis (HR0.51, 95%CI 0.23-1.13; p=0.095), decompensation (HR0.81, 95%CI 0.37-1.76; p=0.596), liver transplantation (HR0.72, 95%CI 0.19-2.72; p=0.628), or death (HR0.69, 95%CI 0.22-2.16; p=0.519). PBC patients with MASLD have comparable event-free (median 10.7 [3.1-30.8] vs. 10.7 [0.1-23.3] years; p=0.684) and overall survival (median 11.3 [3.2-39.7 vs. 10.7 [0.1-23.3] years; p=0.456). Conclusions Every third patient with PBC had MASLD, which tended to be more prevalent among females. We did not observe any significant differences in the development of adverse liver outcomes between patients with PBC and concurrent MASLD in comparison to those without. Studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to further explore the potential impact of MASLD on liver outcomes. Funding Agencies None

Associations of five dietary indices with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and liver fibrosis among the United States population.

The role of dietary factors in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-which represents a new definition of liver steatosis and metabolic dysfunction- remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationships between dietary indices and MASLD. We analyzed data from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2020 cycle, including 4,690 participants with complete vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) data. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for covariates were used to assess the association between dietary indices, MASLD, and MASLD-associated liver fibrosis (MASLD-LF). Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models and subgroup analyses were also performed. The Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), Healthy Eating Index-2020 (HEI-2020), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Index (DASHI), and Mediterranean Diet Index (MEDI) were found to be negatively associated with MASLD risk, while the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) had a positive association. The highest quartile of MEDI was linked to a 44% reduction in MASLD risk [Q1 vs. Q4 odds ratio (OR): 0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.34-0.94, P for trend: 0.012]. DASHI was uniquely associated with a reduced risk of MASLD-LF (continuous OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.64-0.97; p for trend: 0.003). Our RCS curves indicated a nonlinear association with DASHI-MASLD (p-overall: 0.0001, p-nonlinear: 0.0066). Subgroup analyses showed robust associations among the non-Hispanic White and highly educated populations. Specific dietary patterns were associated with reduced risks of MASLD and MASLD-LF. The DASHI, in particular, showed a significant protective effect against MASLD-LF. These findings suggest potential dietary interventions for managing MASLD and MASLD-LF, although large-scale randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings.

Letter to the Editor: Improving access to transient elastography data for real-world prognostic applications in primary biliary cholangitis.

Letter to the Editor: Improving access to transient elastography data for real-world prognostic applications in primary biliary cholangitis.

Reply: Improving access to transient elastography data for real-world prognostic applications in primary biliary cholangitis.

Reply: Improving access to transient elastography data for real-world prognostic applications in primary biliary cholangitis.

Using Renal Elastography to Predict the Therapeutic Response of Nephrological Patients

Background: The standard method for assessing chronic renal damage is renal biopsy, which has limitations due to its invasiveness. Ultrasound elastography is a non-invasive technique that quantifies tissue elasticity and can be used to determine Young’s modulus (YM). Although this breakthrough technology has been successfully employed to evaluate liver stiffness and the extent of fibrosis, its application in kidney-related conditions still needs improvement. Methods: Our study aimed to verify the correlation between renal elastography and the chronic histological score determined via renal biopsy, evaluate the correlation between elastography and response to treatment in the short-term follow-up (6 months), and compare elastography data between renal disease patients (AKD-P) and healthy controls (HP). Results: The analyzed population consisted of 82 patients (41 HP and 41 AKD-P). The AKD-P were divided into responders (R) or non-responders (NR) based on the criteria established by the guidelines. No association was found between renal stiffness and chronic histological score. Elastography data revealed median YM values of 6.15 kPa for AKD-P and 12.2 kPa for HP, with a statistically significant difference. The median YM values of the R and NR groups were 7.4 KPa and 5.6 KPa, respectively (p = 0.037). Conclusions: Patient responsiveness was associated with YM, with lower values observed in the NR group. We also found that the healthy controls exhibited significantly higher YM values than the renal disease population.

Predictive Algorithm for Hepatic Steatosis Detection Using Elastography Data in the Veterans Affairs Electronic Health Records

Background and AimsNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has reached pandemic proportions. Early detection can identify at-risk patients who can be linked to hepatology care. The vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) is biopsy validated to diagnose hepatic steatosis (HS). We aimed to develop a novel clinical predictive algorithm for HS using the CAP score at a Veterans’ Affairs hospital.MethodsWe identified 403 patients in the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System with valid VCTEs during 1/2018–6/2020. Patients with alcohol-associated liver disease, genotype 3 hepatitis C, any malignancies, or liver transplantation were excluded. Linear regression was used to identify predictors of NAFLD. To identify a CAP threshold for HS detection, receiver operating characteristic analysis was applied using liver biopsy, MRI, and ultrasound as the gold standards.ResultsThe cohort was racially/ethnically diverse (26% Black/African American; 20% Hispanic). Significant positive predictors of elevated CAP score included diabetes, cholesterol, triglycerides, BMI, and self-identifying as Hispanic. Our predictions of CAP scores using this model strongly correlated (r = 0.61, p < 0.001) with actual CAP scores. The NAFLD model was validated in an independent Veteran cohort and yielded a sensitivity of 82% and specificity 83% (p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.46–0.81%). The estimated optimal CAP for our population cut-off was 273.5 dB/m, resulting in AUC = 75.5% (95% CI 70.7–80.3%).ConclusionOur HS predictive algorithm can identify at-risk Veterans for NAFLD to further risk stratify them by non-invasive tests and link them to sub-specialty care. Given the biased referral pattern for VCTEs, future work will need to address its applicability in non-specialty clinics.Graphical Proposed clinical algorithm to identify patients at-risk for NAFLD prior to fibrosis staging in Veteran.

Development and validation of a nomogram to predict spontaneous preterm birth in singleton gestation with short cervix and no history of spontaneous preterm birth

BackgroundSpontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) stands as a leading cause of neonatal mortality. Consequently, preventing sPTB has emerged as a paramount concern in healthcare. Therefore, our study aimed to develop a nomogram, encompassing patient characteristics and cervical elastography, to predict sPTB in singleton pregnancies. Specifically, we targeted those with a short cervix length (CL), no history of sPTB, and who were receiving vaginal progesterone therapy. MethodsA total of 568 patients were included in this study. Data from 392 patients, collected between January 2016 and October 2019, constituted the training cohort. Meanwhile, records from 176 patients, spanning November 2019 to January 2022, formed the validation cohort. Following the univariate logistic regression analysis, variables exhibiting a P-value less than 0.05 were integrated into a multivariable logistic regression analysis. The primary objective of this subsequent analysis was to identify the independent predictors linked to sPTB in the training cohort. Next, we formulated a nomogram utilizing the identified independent predictors. This tool was designed to estimate the likelihood of sPTB in singleton pregnancies, particularly those with a short CL, devoid of any sPTB history, and undergoing vaginal progesterone therapy. The C-index, Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) test, calibration curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were used to validate the performance of the nomogram. ResultsUpon finalizing the univariate analysis, we progressed to a multivariable analysis, integrating 8 variables with P < 0.05 from the univariate analysis. The multivariable analysis identified 7 independent risk factors: maternal age (OR = 1.072; P < 0.001), cervical length (OR = 0.854; P < 0.001), uterine curettage (OR = 7.208; P < 0.001), GDM (OR = 3.570; P = 0.006), HDP (OR = 4.661; P = 0.003), C-reactive protein (OR = 1.138; P < 0.001), and strain of AI (OR = 7.985; P < 0.001). The nomogram, tailored for sPTB prediction, was grounded on these 7 independent predictors. In predicting sPTB, the C-indices manifested as 0.873 (95% CI, 0.827–0.918) for the training cohort and 0.916 (95%CI, 0.870–0.962) for the validation cohorts, underscoring a good discrimination of the model. Additionally, the ROC curves served to evaluate the discrimination of nomogram model across both cohorts. Calibration curves were delineated, revealing no statistically significant differences in both the training (χ2 = 5.355; P = 0.719) and validation (χ2 = 2.708; P = 0.951) cohorts as evidenced by the HL tests. Furthermore, the DCA underscored the model's excellence as a predictive tool for sPTB. ConclusionsBy amalgamating patient characteristics and cervical elastography data from the second trimester, the nomogram emerged as a visually intuitive and dependable tool for predicting sPTB. Its relevance was particularly pronounced for singleton pregnancies characterized by a short CL, an absence of prior sPTB incidents, and those receiving vaginal progesterone therapy.

The effect of laser and dynamic quadripolar radiofrequency therapies on the expression of collagenogenesis proteins in the vaginal epithelium and tissue elasticity in women with genital prolapse

Background. Genital prolapse dramatically affects the quality of life of patients. Various sources show that the relapse rate after surgical treatment is 30 to 60%.&#x0D; Aim. To determine and compare the expression levels of collagen metabolism proteins before and after exposure to laser and radio frequency in the postoperative period in postmenopausal patients and to compare ultrasound elastography data to justify using these exposure methods as a rehabilitation program.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Histological specimens were collected from 54 patients with postmenopausal POP-Q grade 3 genital prolapse, and an ultrasound examination was made before surgery and after rehabilitation therapy. A real-time polymerase chain reaction method was used to assess the expression level of type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1, TIMP-2). Ultrasound examination was performed using the technology of compression elastography with the analysis of the color scale and the coefficient of tissue deformation.&#x0D; Results. Data were obtained on the increase in the expression of TIMP-1 by 7 times and TIMP-2 by 4 times in the radiofrequency therapy group compared to the group before treatment, as well as a 64-fold decrease in TIMP-2 expression in the vaginal tissue of women in the group after laser therapy compared to the group before treatment. A significant increase in the expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 genes in vaginal tissue after radiofrequency exposure and a decrease in TIMP-2 after laser exposure demonstrate the compensatory effect of biological markers in response to energy therapy, as well as the remodeling effect of these methods. According to ultrasound, tissue elasticity in patients increased after laser and radiofrequency exposure.&#x0D; Conclusion. The results support using radiofrequency and laser therapy in the postoperative period as rehabilitation methods.

Ultrasound Elastography for the Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Solid Renal Masses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The incidental finding of small renal masses in CT and MRI examinations can present a diagnostic challenge. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and angiomyolipoma (AML) are the most common incidental malignant and benign renal lesions but may present with similar US features. US elastography is a non-invasive technique that can assess tissue elasticity, has shown promising results in many clinical settings, and could be able to differentiate between benign and malignant renal lesions based on tissue stiffness. The purpose of this article is to systematically review the applications of US elastography in the characterization of solid renal masses and to derive and compare the summary estimates of different stiffness values across different lesion subtypes. In December 2022, a systematic search was carried out on the MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE databases to retrieve studies on the application of US elastography in the characterization of solid renal masses. After article selection by three researchers, 14 studies entered qualitative synthesis. A total of 1190 patients were included, and the elastography data of 959 lesions were examined: 317/959 (33%) benign and 642/959 (67%) malignant. Among the malignancies, 590 (91%) were RCC, whereas, among the 317 benign lesions, 244 (77%) were AML. All lesions were classified using a histopathological (biopsy or operative specimen) or imaging (US follow-up/CT/MRI) reference standard. After data extraction and methodological quality evaluation, quantitative synthesis was performed on 12 studies, 4 using strain elastography (SE) and 8 using shear wave elastography (SWE), with single- and double-arm random-effects meta-analyses. Lesion stiffness measured with SE was available in four studies, with an RCC strain ratio higher than the AML strain ratio both in an indirect comparison (Cochran’s Q test p = 0.014) and in a direct comparison (p = 0.021). Conversely, the SWE measurements of RCC and AML stiffness did not significantly differ either at an indirect comparison (p = 0.055) or direct comparison (p = 0.114).