Shear-wave elastography to predict hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis C virus eradication:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Direct-acting antiviral agents(DAAs)are highly effective treatment for chronic hepatitis C(CHC)with a significant rate of sustained virologic response(SVR).The achievement of SVR is crucial to prevent additional liver damage and slow down fibrosis progression.The assessment of fibrosis degree can be performed with transient elastography,magnetic resonance elastography or shear-wave elastography(SWE).Liver elastography could function as a predictor for hepato-cellular carcinoma(HCC)in CHC patients treated with DAAs.AIM To explore the predictive value of SWE for HCC development after complete clearance of hepatitis C virus(HCV).METHODS A comprehensive literature search of clinical studies was performed to identify the ability of SWE to predict HCC occurrence after HCV clearance.In accordance with the study protocol,a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the evidence was planned.RESULTS At baseline and after 12 wk of follow-up,a trend was shown towards greater liver stiffness(LS)in those who go on to develop HCC compared to those who do not[baseline LS standardized mean difference(SMD):1.15,95%confidence interval(95%CI):020-2.50;LS SMD after 12 wk:0.83,95%CI:0.33-1.98].The absence of a statistically significant difference between the mean LS in those who developed HCC or not may be related to the inability to correct for confounding factors and the absence of raw source data.There was a statist-ically significant LS SMD at 24 wk of follow-up between patients who developed HCC vs not(0.64;95%CI:0.04-1.24).CONCLUSION SWE could be a promising tool for prediction of HCC occurrence in patients treated with DAAs.Further studies with larger cohorts and standardized timing of elastographic evaluation are needed to confirm these data.

Predicting hepatocellular carcinoma: A new non-invasive model based on shear wave elastography

BACKGROUND Integrating conventional ultrasound features with 2D shear wave elastography(2D-SWE)can potentially enhance preoperative hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)predictions.AIM To develop a 2D-SWE-based predictive model for preoperative identification of HCC.METHODS A retrospective analysis of 884 patients who underwent liver resection and pathology evaluation from February 2021 to August 2023 was conducted at the Oriental Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital.The patients were divided into the modeling group(n=720)and the control group(n=164).The study included conventional ultrasound,2D-SWE,and preoperative laboratory tests.Multiple logistic regression was used to identify independent predictive factors for RESULTS In the modeling group analysis,maximal elasticity(Emax)of tumors and their peripheries,platelet count,cirrhosis,and blood flow were independent risk indicators for malignancies.These factors yielded an area under the curve of 0.77(95%confidence interval:0.73-0.81)with 84%sensitivity and 61%specificity.The model demonstrated good calibration in both the construction and validation cohorts,as shown by the calibration graph and Hosmer-Lemeshow test(P=0.683 and P=0.658,respectively).Additionally,the mean elasticity(Emean)of the tumor periphery was identified as a risk factor for microvascular invasion(MVI)in malignant liver tumors(P=0.003).Patients receiving antiviral treatment differed significantly in platelet count(P=0.002),Emax of tumors(P=0.033),Emean of tumors(P=0.042),Emax at tumor periphery(P<0.001),and Emean at tumor periphery(P=0.003).CONCLUSION 2D-SWE’s hardness value serves as a valuable marker for enhancing the preoperative diagnosis of malignant liver lesions,correlating significantly with MVI and antiviral treatment efficacy.

Photoacoustic elastography based on laser-excited shear wave

Elastography can be used as a diagnostic method for quantitative characterization of tissue hardness information and thus,differential changes in pathophysiological states of tissues.In this study,we propose a new method for shear wave elastography(SWE)based on laser-excited shear wave,called photoacoustic shear wave elastography(PASWE),which combines photoacoustic(PA)technology with ultrafast ultrasound imaging.By using a focused laser to excite shear waves and ultrafast ultrasonic imaging for detection,high-frequency excitation of shear waves and noncontact elastic imaging can be realized.The laser can stimulate the tissue with the light absorption characteristic to produce the thermal expansion,thus producing the shear wave.The frequency of shear wave induced by laser is higher and the frequency band is wider.By tracking the propagation of shear wave,Young’s modulus of tissue is reconstructed in the whole shear wave propagation region to further evaluate the elastic information of tissue.The feasibility of the method is verified by experiments.Compared with the experimental results of supersonic shear imaging(SSI),it is proved that the method can be used for quantitative elastic imaging of the phantoms.In addition,compared with the SSI method,this method can realize the noncontact excitation of the shear wave,and the frequency of the shear wave excited by the laser is higher than that of the acoustic radiation force(ARF),so the spatial resolution is higher.Compared to the traditional PA elastic imaging method,this method can obtain a larger imaging depth under the premise of ensuring the imaging resolution,and it has potential application value in the clinical diagnosis of diseases requiring noncontact quantitative elasticity.

Quantitative Assessment of Liver Fibrosis by Elastography in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study in Lomé (Togo)

Aim: To describe the two-dimensional elastographic profile according to the Shearwave (2D-SWE) technique in patients with chronic liver disease in Lom. Materials and method: Cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted over seven month at the Autel dElie Clinic in Lom, from January to August 2022, on adult patients with chronic liver disease who underwent abdominal ultrasound coupled with two-dimensional elastography. Results: The sample size was 54 patients. The mean age of the patients was 33 12 years, with extremes of 18 and 66 years. Patients aged 30 years or less accounted for 48.1% (n = 26). All patients (n = 54) had at least one transaminase assay with a mean of 69.3 78.3 IU/l (AST) and 59.3 82.8 IU/l (ALT). There was no statistically significant association between the biological parameters and the presence of fibrosis. Viral liver disease was the main cause, accounting for 81.5% (n = 44) of cases, with no significant association with the degree of fibrosis. Ultrasound revealed a dysmorphic liver (57.4%;n = 31) and portal hypertension (18.5%, n = 10). Fibrosis stages F1, F2 and F4 accounted for (48.1%, n = 26), (24.1%, n = 13) and (13%, n = 7) of cases respectively. Liver dysmorphia was significantly associated with the presence of fibrosis (p = 0.012) and portal hypertension was significantly associated with the degree of fibrosis (p = 0.0063). Conclusion: Assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease using 2D-SWE elastography is essential for patient follow-up.

Liver stiffness in hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic hepatitis patients:Hepatitis B virus infection and transaminases should be considered

BACKGROUND Liver condition is a crucial prognostic factor for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),but a convenient and comprehensive method to assess liver condition is lacking.Liver stiffness(LS)measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography may help in assessing liver fibrosis and liver condition.Chronic hepatitis B(CHB)is an important risk factor for HCC progression,but LS was found to be less reliable in assessing liver fibrosis following hepatitis viral eradication.We hypothesize that the status of hepatitis virus infection would affect the accuracy of LS in assessing the liver condition.AIM To test the feasibility and impact factors of using LS to assess liver condition in patients with HCC and CHB.METHODS A total of 284 patients were retrospectively recruited and classified into two groups on the basis of serum CHB virus hepatitis B virus(HBV)-DNA levels[HBV-DNA≥100.00 IU/mL as Pos group(n=200)and<100.00 IU/mL as Neg group(n=84)].Correlation analyses and receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between LS and liver condition.RESULTS A significant correlation was found between LS and most of the parameters considered to have the ability to evaluate liver condition(P<0.05).When alanine aminotransferase(ALT)concentrations were normal(≤40 U/L),LS was correlated with liver condition indices(P<0.05),but the optimal cutoff of LS to identify a Child-Pugh score of 5 was higher in the Neg group(9.30 kPa)than the Pos group(7.40 kPa).When ALT levels were elevated(>40 U/L),the correlations between LS and liver condition indices were not significant(P>0.05).CONCLUSION LS was significantly correlated with most liver condition indices in patients with CHB and HCC.However,these correlations varied according to differences in HBV-DNA and transaminase concentrations.

Application of real-time shear wave elastography to Achilles tendon hardness evaluation in older adults

BACKGROUND Real-time shear wave elastography(SWE)is a non-invasive imaging technique used to measure tissue stiffness by generating and tracking shear waves in real time.This advanced ultrasound-based method provides quantitative information regarding tissue elasticity,offering valuable insights into the mechanical properties of biological tissues.However,the application of real-time SWE in the musculoskeletal system and sports medicine has not been extensively studied.AIM To explore the practical value of real-time SWE for assessing Achilles tendon hardness in older adults.METHODS A total of 60 participants were enrolled in the present study,and differences in the elastic moduli of the bilateral Achilles tendons were compared among the following categories:(1)Age:55-60,60-65,and 65-70-years-old;(2)Sex:Male and female;(3)Laterality:Left and right sides;(4)Tendon state:Relaxed and tense state;and(5)Tendon segment:Proximal,middle,and distal.RESULTS There were no significant differences in the elastic moduli of the bilateral Achilles tendons when comparing by age or sex(P>0.05).There were,however,significant differences when comparing by tendon side,state,or segment(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Real-time SWE plays a significant role compared to other examination methods in the evaluation of Achilles tendon hardness in older adults.

Toward Improved Accuracy in Quasi-Static Elastography Using Deep Learning

Elastography is a non-invasive medical imaging technique to map the spatial variation of elastic properties of soft tissues.The quality of reconstruction results in elastography is highly sensitive to the noise induced by imaging measurements and processing.To address this issue,we propose a deep learning(DL)model based on conditional Generative Adversarial Networks(cGANs)to improve the quality of nonhomogeneous shear modulus reconstruction.To train this model,we generated a synthetic displacement field with finite element simulation under known nonhomogeneous shear modulus distribution.Both the simulated and experimental displacement fields are used to validate the proposed method.The reconstructed results demonstrate that the DL model with synthetic training data is able to improve the quality of the reconstruction compared with the well-established optimization method.Moreover,we emphasize that our DL model is only trained on synthetic data.This might provide a way to alleviate the challenge of obtaining clinical or experimental data in elastography.Overall,this work addresses several fatal issues in applying the DL technique into elastography,and the proposed method has shown great potential in improving the accuracy of the disease diagnosis in clinical medicine.

Transient elastography and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for assessment of liver fibrosis in children with chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis C(CHC)is a health burden with consequent morbidity and mortality.Liver biopsy is the gold standard for evaluating fibrosis and assessing disease severity and prognostic purposes post-treatment.Noninvasive altern-atives for liver biopsy such as transient elastography(TE)and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging(DW-MRI)are critical needs.AIM To evaluate TE and DW-MRI as noninvasive tools for predicting liver fibrosis in children with CHC.METHODS This prospective cross-sectional study initially recruited 100 children with CHC virus infection.Sixty-four children completed the full set of investigations including liver stiffness measurement(LSM)using TE and measurement of apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)of the liver and spleen using DW-MRI.Liver biopsies were evaluated for fibrosis using Ishak scoring system.LSM and liver and spleen ADC were compared in different fibrosis stages and correlation analysis was performed with histopathological findings and other laboratory parameters.RESULTS Most patients had moderate fibrosis(73.5%)while 26.5%had mild fibrosis.None had severe fibrosis or cirrhosis.The majority(68.8%)had mild activity,while only 7.8%had moderate activity.Ishak scores had a significant direct correlation with LSM(P=0.008)and were negatively correlated with both liver and spleen ADC but with no statistical significance(P=0.086 and P=0.145,respectively).Similarly,histopatho-logical activity correlated significantly with LSM(P=0.002)but not with liver or spleen ADC(P=0.84 and 0.98 respectively).LSM and liver ADC were able to significantly discriminate F3 from lower fibrosis stages(area under the curve=0.700 and 0.747,respectively)with a better performance of liver ADC.CONCLUSION TE and liver ADC were helpful in predicting significant fibrosis in children with chronic hepatitis C virus infection with a better performance of liver ADC.

Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography for hepatocellular carcinoma-associated radiofrequency ablation

AIM:To evaluate the potential usefulness of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) images for evaluation of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC)-associated radiofrequency ablation. METHODS:From January 2010 to June 2010,a total of 38 patients with HCC including recurred HCCs after RFA underwent ARFI elastography. The brightness of tumor was checked and the shear wave velocity was measure-d for the-quantification of stiffne-ss. According to theb-rightne-ss,the-tumors we-re-classifie-d as b-righte-r,samecolor and darker compared with adjacent parenchyma. Using the same methods,8 patients with recurred HCCs after RFA state were evaluated about the brightness compared with adjacent RFA ablation area. RESULTS:In the 38 patients with HCCs,20 (52.6%)were brighter than surrounding cirrhotic parenchyma. Another 13 (34.2%) were darker. The others (5 cases,13.2%) were seen as the same color as the adjacent liver parenchyma. Post-RFA lesions were darker than previous tumor and surrounding parenchyma in all 38 cases. However,recurred HCCs were brighter than the treated site in all 8 cases. CONCLUSION:Using ARFI technique is helpful for differential diagnosis in order to detect recurred HCCs more easily in patients with confusing status.

Preoperative prediction of microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma using ultrasound features including elasticity

BACKGROUND Microvascular invasion(MVI)is an important predictor of poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Accurate preoperative prediction of MVI in HCC would provide useful information to guide the choice of therapeutic strategy.Shear wave elastography(SWE)plays an important role in hepatic imaging,but its value in the preoperative prediction of MVI in HCC has not yet been proven.AIM To explore the value of conventional ultrasound features and SWE in the preoperative prediction of MVI in HCC.METHODS Patients with a postoperative pathological diagnosis of HCC and a definite diagnosis of MVI were enrolled in this study.Conventional ultrasound features and SWE features such as maximal elasticity(Emax)of HCCs and Emax of the periphery of HCCs were acquired before surgery.These features were compared between MVI-positive HCCs and MVI-negative HCCs and between mild MVI HCCs and severe MVI HCCs.RESULTS This study included 86 MVI-negative HCCs and 102 MVI-positive HCCs,including 54 with mild MVI and 48 with severe MVI.Maximal tumor diameters,surrounding liver tissue,color Doppler flow,Emax of HCCs,and Emax of the periphery of HCCs were significantly different between MVI-positive HCCs and MVI-negative HCCs.In addition,Emax of the periphery of HCCs was significantly different between mild MVI HCCs and severe MVI HCCs.Higher Emax of the periphery of HCCs and larger maximal diameters were independent risk factors for MVI,with odds ratios of 2.820 and 1.021,respectively.CONCLUSION HCC size and stiffness of the periphery of HCC are useful ultrasound criteria for predicting positive MVI.Preoperative ultrasound and SWE can provide useful information for the prediction of MVI in HCCs.

Combining the age-male-albumin-bilirubin-platelets score and shear wave elastography stratifies carcinogenic risk in hepatitis C patients after viral clearance

BACKGROUND The treatment of hepatitis C with direct-acting antiviral agents(DAAs)produces a high rate of sustained virological response(SVR)with fewer adverse events than interferon(IFN)therapy with a similar effect in inhibiting carcinogenesis as IFN therapy.The age-male-albumin-bilirubin-platelets(aMAP)score is useful for stratifying the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis patients,and the velocity of shear waves(Vs)measured by shear wave elastography has also been shown to be useful for diagnosing the level of fibrotic progression in hepatitis C and predicting carcinogenic risk.Combining these two may improve the prediction of carcinogenic risk.AIM To determine whether combining the aMAP score with Vs improves carcinogenic risk stratification in medium-to-high-risk hepatitis C patients.METHODS This retrospective,observational study involved hepatitis C patients treated with DAAs who achieved SVR.Vs was measured before treatment(baseline),at the end of treatment(EOT),and 12 wk(follow-up 12)and 24 wk(follow-up 24)after treatment.The patients were followed for at least six months after EOT to determine whether cancer developed.Multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors contributing to hepatic carcinogenesis.The diagnostic performances of clinical parameters for predicting the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma were evaluated using receiver-operating characteristic(ROC)curve analyses.RESULTS A total of 279 patients(mean age 65.9 years,118 males,161 females)were included in the analysis.Multiple regression analysis was performed with carcinogenesis as the target variable and alanine aminotransferase,platelets,α-fetoprotein,Vs,and the Fib-4 index as explanatory variables;only Vs was found to be significant(P=0.0296).The cut-off value for Vs for liver carcinogenesis calculated using the ROC curve was 1.53 m/s.Carcinoma developed in 2.0%(3/151)of those with Vs<1.53 m/s and in 10.5%(9/86)of those with Vs≥1.53 m/s.CONCLUSION In hepatitis C patients after SVR,combining the aMAP score and Vs to stratify the risk of carcinogenesis is more efficient than uniform surveillance of all patients.

Artifacts in two-dimensional shear wave elastography of liver

BACKGROUND Artifacts are common when using two-dimensional shear wave elastography(2-D SWE)to measure liver stiffness(LS),but they are poorly recognized.AIM To investigate the presence and influence of artifacts in 2-D SWE of liver.METHODS We included 158 patients with chronic liver disease,who underwent 2-D SWE examination by a novice and an expert.A cross line at the center of the elastogram was drawn and was divided it into four locations:top-left,top-right,bottom-left,and bottom-right.The occurrence frequency of artifacts in different locations was compared.The influence of artifacts on the LS measurements was evaluated by comparing the elastogram with the most artifacts(EMA)and the elastogram with the least artifacts(ELA).RESULTS The percentage of elastograms with artifacts in the novice(51.7%)was significantly higher than that of the expert(19.6%)(P<0.001).It was found that both operators had the highest frequency of artifacts at bottom-left,followed by top-left and bottom-right,and top-right had the lowest frequency.The LS values(LSVs)and standard deviation values of EMAs were significantly higher than those of ELAs for both operators.An intraclass correlation coefficient value of 0.96 was found in the LSVs of EMAs of the two operators,and it increased to 0.98 when the LSVs of the ELAs were used.Both operators had lower stability index values for EMAs than ELAs,but the difference was only statistically significant for the novice.CONCLUSION Artifacts are common when using 2-D SWE to measure LS,especially for the novice.Artifacts may lead to the overestimation of LS and reduce the repeatability and reliability of LS measurements.

The diagnostic value of transient elastography combined with serum SAA and IL-6 in the degree of hepatitis B liver fibrosis

Objective:To investigat the diagnostic value of transient elastography combined with serum amyloid A and interleukin-6 in the degree of hepatitis B liver fibrosis.Methods:A total of 334 patients with chronic HBV infection that were admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College from January 2020 to May 2022 with informed consent and underwent liver biopsy puncture were selected.According to the pathological results,they were divided into no obvious fibrosis group,obvious fibrosis group and liver cirrhosis group.Comparison of liver stiffness measurement(LSM),serum amyloid A(SAA0,IL-6 levels between different groups.This study drawed was conducted draw the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve of each index to diagnose significant liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis,and compared the area under the ROC curve(AUC)and diagnostic efficacy of each non-invasive fibrosis diagnostic model.The diagnostic performance of the combined assay was superior to that of APRI and FIB-4 In different degrees of liver fibrosis.Results:According to the degree of liver fibrosis,the levels of SAA,IL-6,and LSM in the no significant fibrosis group(n=140),the significant fibrosis group(n=134),and the cirrhosis group(n=60)were statistically significant difference(All P<0.001).SAA,IL-6 and LSM were significantly correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis(rs=0.456,rs=0.482,rs=0.602,All P<0.001).The AUC of SAA and IL-6 for the diagnosis of significant fibrosis in hepatitis B were 0.738 and 0.809,respectively.And the AUC for the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis were 0.813 and 0.823,respectively.The AUC for the combined diagnosis of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 0.930 and 0.964,respectively.The diagnostic performance of the combined assay was superior to that of APRI and FIB-4 in different degrees of liver fibrosis(All P<0.001).Conclusion:LSM combined with serum SAA and IL-6 has great diagnostic value for different degrees of hepatitis B liver fibrosis.

Diagnostic role of transient elastography in patients with autoimmune liver diseases:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Noninvasive methods have been developed to detect fibrosis in many liver diseases due to the limits of liver biopsy.However,previous studies have focused primarily on chronic viral hepatitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.The diagnostic value of transient elastography for autoimmune liver diseases(AILDs)is worth studying.AIM To compare the diagnostic accuracy of imaging techniques with serum biomarkers of fibrosis in AILD.METHODS The PubMed,Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases were searched.Studies evaluating the efficacy of noninvasive methods in the diagnosis of AILDs[autoimmune hepatitis(AIH),primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)and primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)]were included.The summary area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUROC),diagnostic odds ratio,sensitivity and specificity were used to assess the accuracy of these noninvasive methods for staging fibrosis.RESULTS A total of 60 articles were included in this study,and the number of patients with AIH,PBC and PSC was 1594,3126 and 501,respectively.The summary AUROC of transient elastography in the diagnosis of significant fibrosis,advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with AIH were 0.84,0.88 and 0.90,respectively,while those in patients with PBC were 0.93,0.93 and 0.91,respectively.The AUROC of cirrhosis for patients with PSC was 0.95.However,other noninvasive indices(aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index,aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio,fibrosis-4 index)had corresponding AUROCs less than 0.80.CONCLUSION Transient elastography exerts better diagnostic accuracy in AILD patients,especially in PBC patients.The appropriate cutoff values for staging advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis ranged from 9.6 to 10.7 and 14.4 to 16.9 KPa for PBC patients.

To scan or not to scan:Use of transient elastography in an integrated health system

BACKGROUND Non-invasive tests,such as Fibrosis-4 index and transient elastography(com-monly FibroScan),are utilized in clinical pathways to risk stratify and diagnose non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).In 2018,a clinical decision support tool(CDST)was implemented to guide primary care providers(PCPs)on use of FibroScan for NAFLD.AIM To analyze how this CDST impacted health care utilization and patient outcomes.METHODS We performed a retrospective review of adults who had FibroScan for NAFLD indication from January 2015 to December 2017(pre-CDST)or January 2018 to December 2020(post-CDST).Outcomes included FibroScan result,laboratory tests,imaging studies,specialty referral,patient morbidity and mortality.RESULTS We identified 958 patients who had FibroScan,115 before and 843 after the CDST was implemented.The percentage of FibroScans ordered by PCPs increased from 33%to 67.1%.The percentage of patients diagnosed with early F1 fibrosis,on a scale from F0 to F4,increased from 7.8%to 14.2%.Those diagnosed with ad-vanced F4 fibrosis decreased from 28.7%to 16.5%.There were fewer laboratory tests,imaging studies and biopsy after the CDST was implemented.Though there were more specialty referrals placed after the CDST was implemented,multivariate analysis revealed that healthcare utilization aligned with fibrosis score,whereby patients with more advanced disease had more referrals.Very few patients were hospitalized or died.CONCLUSION This CDST empowered PCPs to diagnose and manage patients with NAFLD with appropriate allocation of care towards patients with more advanced disease.

Comparative analysis of conventional ultrasound and shear wave elastography features in primary breast diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND Primary breast diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(PB-DLBCL)is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that accounts for<3%of extranodal lymphomas and 1%of breast tumors.Its diagnosis and management are challenging because of its rarity,heterogeneity,and aggressive behavior.Conventional ultrasound(US)is the first-line imaging modality for breast lesions;however,it has limited specificity and accuracy for PB-DLBCL.Shear wave elastography(SWE)is a novel US technique that measures tissue stiffness and may reflect the histological characteristics and biological behavior of breast lesions.AIM To compare the conventional US and SWE features of PB-DLBCL and evaluate their diagnostic performance and prognostic value.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data and US images of 32 patients with pathologically confirmed PB-DLBCL who underwent conventional US and SWE before treatment.We analyzed conventional US features(shape,margin,orientation,echo,posterior acoustic features,calcification,and vascularity)and SWE features(mean elasticity value,standard deviation,minimum elasticity value,maximum elasticity value,and lesion-to-fat ratio)of the PB-DLBCL lesions.Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis,we determined the optimal cutoff values and diagnostic performance of conventional US and SWE features.We also performed a survival analysis to assess the prognostic value of conventional US and SWE features.RESULTS The results showed that the PB-DLBCL lesions were mostly irregular in shape(84.4%),microlobulated or spiculated in margins(75%),parallel in orientation(65.6%),hypoechoic in echo(87.5%),and had posterior acoustic enhancement(65.6%).Calcification was rare(6.3%)and vascularity was variable(31.3%avascular,37.5%hypovascular,and 31.3%hypervascular).The mean elasticity value of PB-DLBCL lesions was significantly higher than that of benign breast lesions(113.4±46.9 kPa vs 27.8±16.4 kPa,P<0.001).The optimal cutoff value of the mean elasticity for distinguishing PB-DLBCL from benign breast lesions was 54.5 kPa,with a sensitivity of 93.8%,specificity of 92.9%,positive predictive value of 93.8%,negative predictive value of 92.9%,and accuracy of 93.3%.The mean elasticity value was also significantly correlated with Ki-67 expression level(r=0.612,P<0.001),which is a marker of tumor proliferation and aggressiveness.Survival analysis showed that patients with higher mean elasticity values(>54.5 kPa)had worse overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)than those with lower mean elasticity values(<54.5 kPa)(P=0.038 for OS and P=0.027 for PFS).CONCLUSION Conventional US and SWE provide useful information for diagnosing and forecasting PB-DLBCL.SWE excels in distinguishing PB-DLBCL from benign breast lesions,reflects tumor proliferation and aggressiveness,and improves disease management.

Transient elastography(FibroScan)in critical care:Applications and limitations

FibroScan®is a non-invasive device that assesses the‘hardness’(or stiffness)of the liver via the technique of transient elastography.Because fibrous tissue is harder than normal liver,the degree of hepatic fibrosis can be inferred from the liver hardness.This technique is increasingly being employed to diagnose liver fibrosis,even in critically ill patients.It is now being used not only for diagnosis and staging of liver cirrhosis,but also for outcome prognostication.However,the presence of several confounding factors,especially in critically ill patients,may make interpretation of these results unreliable.Through this review we aim to describe the indications and pitfalls of employing FibroScan in patients admitted to intensive care units.

磁共振弹性成像在宫颈癌诊断中的初步应用研究

目的探究磁共振弹性成像(Magnetic resonance elastography,MRE)在宫颈癌的临床价值。材料与方法本研究前瞻性地招募39名病理诊断为宫颈癌的患者(宫颈癌组),并招募39名年龄、体质指数(body mass index,BMI)相匹配的健康女性志愿者(健康对照组)进行宫颈常规磁共振扫描和频率为60 Hz的MRE检查。测量两组受试者宫颈的弹性值以及宫颈癌组肿瘤的体积及浸润深度,收集宫颈癌组患者的肿瘤分期。选择配对样本t检验比较宫颈癌组和健康对照组的弹性值,采用Spearman秩相关系数及受试者工作特征(receiver operating characteristic,ROC)曲线分析弹性值、肿瘤体积和浸润深度与宫颈癌分期间的相关性及诊断宫颈癌分期的效能。结果宫颈癌患者组的平均弹性值[(5.76±0.99)kPa]显著高于健康对照组[(2.94±0.25)kPa;P<0.001]。弹性值、肿瘤体积及浸润深度在早期(≤ⅡA期)、晚期(≥ⅡB期)宫颈癌之间差异存在统计学意义,且与宫颈癌分期呈正相关(r=0.439、0.384、0.322;P均<0.05)。弹性值的诊断效能优于肿瘤体积和浸润深度,ROC曲线下面积(area under the curve,AUC)分别为0.754、0.722、0.687。结论MRE技术可以作为一种非侵入性的辅助检查手段,帮助宫颈癌的诊断和分期评估,在宫颈癌研究和治疗策略的制订中具有潜在的临床应用前景。

血液高RDW和高N-MID OC/β-CTX比值在老年女性椎体骨折中的诊断价值

目的 探讨血液红细胞分布宽度(RDW)及骨钙素N段中分子片段(N-MID OC)/Ⅰ型胶原羧基端肽β特殊序列(β-CTX)比值联合检测对老年女性骨质疏松椎体骨折(OPVF)的诊断价值。方法 纳入2021年1月—2021年12月我院≥60岁女性骨质疏松住院患者786例,分为无骨折组(A组,378例)和OPVF组(B组,388例)。N-MID OC、β-CTX、NMID-OC/β-CTX比值、红细胞计数(RBC)、红细胞压积(HCT)、血红蛋白(Hb)、红细胞平均体积(MCV)、平均血红蛋白浓度(MCHC)、平均血红蛋白量(MCH)、红细胞分布宽度(RDW-CV)、钙(Ca)、磷(P)及镁(Mg)。结果 与A组相比,B组Ca、P、Hb、HCT、MCV、MCH、MCHC含量降低,RDW-CV、N-MID OC/β-CTX含量增加,差异有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。OPVF与β-CTX、Ca、P呈负相关,与RDW-CV、N-MID OC/β-CTX呈正相关(均P<0.05)。骨折患者RDW与N-MID OC、β-CTX、Ca、P、Mg呈负相关(均P<0.05)。RDW、N-MID-OC/β-CTX为OPVF的风险因素(均P<0.05),OR分别为1.38、1.005。二者含量越高,椎体骨折风险越高,最高层是最低层的约3倍和2倍,OR为2.818,1.734。二者联合检测可提高对OPVF的诊断性能,其AUC敏感性、特异性、阳性预示值、阴性预示值分别为0.64、42.78%、82.01%、70.9%、58.3%。结论 血液高RDW和高N-MID OC/β-CTX比值与老年女性骨质疏松性椎体骨折明显相关,是其危险因素,可用于辅助诊断及预测其发生。

E-Cervix弹性成像评估不同分娩史孕妇妊娠期宫颈组织差异的研究

目的探讨不同分娩方式生育史孕妇宫颈E-Cervix参数随孕周的变化规律,以及不同分娩方式对再次妊娠时的宫颈软硬度和长度的影响。方法前瞻性收集2022年6月—2023年6月在我院定期产检的单胎妊娠孕妇,分别于11~14周、20~24周、28~32周经阴道超声测量孕妇宫颈的E-Cervix弹性参数。根据既往有无生育史及分娩方式,将研究对象分为初产妇组(A组)、经产妇无剖宫产史组(B组)和经产妇合并剖宫产史组(C组)。采用Friedman检验比较各组孕妇3个孕周段各宫颈参数值的差异,Mann-Whitney U检验比较初产妇与经产妇无剖宫产史及经产妇合并剖宫产史的宫颈各参数值差异。结果共纳入191例孕妇,其中A组101例,B组49例,C组41例。A组宫颈弹性值3个孕周段的差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05);B组除应变比值(Ratio)外,余宫颈弹性值在3个孕周段的差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05);C组除弹性对比指数(ECI)及Ratio外,余宫颈弹性值在3个孕周段的差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。随着孕周段的增加,3组硬度比值(HR)逐渐减小,宫颈内口平均应变值(IOS)、宫颈外口平均应变值(EOS)逐渐增大。A组3个孕周段宫颈长度(CL)值中位数分别为3.36、3.51、3.49(P<0.05);B组3个孕周段CL值中位数分别为3.27、3.58、3.50(P<0.05);C组3个孕周段CL值中位数分别为3.38、3.73、3.63(P=0.057)。3组孕妇宫颈长度呈现出先增长再缩短的发展趋势。中孕期A组ECI值中位数小于B组(2.34比2.63),HR值中位数大于B组(89.81%比87.20%),CL值中位数小于C组(3.51比3.73),且差异均有统计学意义(P=0.008、P=0.024、P=0.034)。早孕期及晚孕期各项宫颈参数值在A组与B组及A组与C组间的差异均无明显统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论E-Cervix技术客观地反映出不同分娩方式生育史孕妇妊娠期宫颈组织随孕周增加均产生一系列生理变化。不同分娩方式会影响再次妊娠时的宫颈弹性和宫颈长度的变化,中孕期经产妇无剖宫产史孕妇宫颈组织较初产妇软且均质性差,经产妇合并剖宫产史孕妇宫颈长度明显长于初产妇。