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Ultrasound Int Open 2015; 01(01): E2-E7
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1554659
Original Article
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Evaluation of Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging (ARFI) for the Determination of Liver Stiffness Using Transient Elastography as a Reference in Children

A. Sagir
1   Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Infektiologie, Uniklinik Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
,
D. Ney
2   Kinderklinik, Kath. Kinderkrankenhaus Wilhelmstift, Hamburg, Germany
4   Klinik für Allgemeine Pädiatrie, Neonatologie und KInderkardiologie, Uniklinik Düseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
,
J. Oh
3   Klinik für Allgemeine Pädiatrie, Universität Hamburg/Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
4   Klinik für Allgemeine Pädiatrie, Neonatologie und KInderkardiologie, Uniklinik Düseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
,
S. Pandey
4   Klinik für Allgemeine Pädiatrie, Neonatologie und KInderkardiologie, Uniklinik Düseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
,
G. Kircheis
1   Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Infektiologie, Uniklinik Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
,
E. Mayatepek
4   Klinik für Allgemeine Pädiatrie, Neonatologie und KInderkardiologie, Uniklinik Düseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
,
D. Häussinger
1   Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Infektiologie, Uniklinik Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 06 November 2014

accepted 05 May 2015

Publication Date:
28 July 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Purpose: Transient elastography (Fibroscan©; (FS)) and acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI) represent noninvasive, user-friendly and quick methods providing an objective and reproducible measure of liver stiffness. The aim of the study was to evaluate cut-off values and performance of ARFI measurements in children using transient elastography as a reference.

Methods/Patients: A total of 198 children were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent liver stiffness measurements with FS (FS-LS) as well as ARFI (with shear wave velocity quantification; ARFI-SWV) and the performance of ARFI in comparison to FS was studied.

Results: Significantly higher rates of successful measurements were found for ARFI compared to FS (198/198 (100%) vs. 160/198 (80.8%); p<0.001). ARFI-SWV correlated significantly with FS-LS (r=0.751, p=0.001). ARFI-SWV increased significantly with the stage of fibrosis (1.19+0.15 m/s for patients with FS-LS<7.6 kPa); 1.34+0.22 m/s for patients with 7.6<FS-LS<13.0 kPa); and 1.83+0.58 m/s for patients with FS-LS>13.0 kPa). ARFI-SWV cut-off values were identified for no significant fibrosis (1.31 m/s; sensitivity 61.8% and specificity 79.5%) and for liver cirrhosis (1.63 m/s; sensitivity 70.0% and specificity 97.4%). The median values of liver stiffness measured by FS were age-dependent in 90 children without liver diseases with 4.8, 5.6, and 5.7 kPa in children 0–5, 6–11, and 12–18 years, respectively.

Key words

abdomen - diagnostic radiology - safety
 

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