Title: Doppler Ultrasound and Fibroscan Parameters Versus Liver Biopsy in Evaluation of Hepatic Fibrosis in Egyptian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Abstract: Background and study aim: Liver biopsy is the gold standard method to assess hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C infection (HCV). The non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis is the key target that has inspired many new methods because of the limitations of liver biopsy. The aim of the work was to improve the efficiency of non-invasive liver fibrosis assessment in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C by comparing Doppler ultrasound (US) of hepatic blood flow and fibroscan with liver biopsy. Patients and Method: In this retrospective analysis, 78 patients with HCV had already undergone liver biopsies as part of work panel prior to HCV treatment. Fibroscan examination, abdominal ultrasonography and Doppler ultrasound were done to the patients by experienced operators. Results: There was a strong positive correlation between the degree of liver fibrosis by fibroscan and the degree of inflammation in the histopathological analysis. Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that fibroscan failed to detect FII fibrosis. However, fibroscan was more accurate in detecting FIII fibrosis.The Doppler ultrasound parameter ROC curve analysis, the portal vein blood flow volume (PVBFV) was shown to be more accurate in detecting lower grades of fibrosis than higher. Conclusion: For detection higher degrees of fibrosis, Fibroscan has a strong match with liver biopsy; however, Doppler US is more sensitive in detecting lower grades of fibrosis in patients infected with HCV .