ABSTRACT

To evaluate the value of Doppler ultrasonography (US) and fibrosis index in differentiating between chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Sixty-seven non-cirrhotic viral hepatitis B and C patients and 28 cirrhotic patients were included in this study. All patients were examined by liver Doppler US. Quantitative Doppler parameters were obtained and fibrosis index was calculated. The results were evaluated statistically and a cut-off value for fibrosis index was obtained to differentiate between chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis groups.

The mean fibrosis index value in chronic hepatitis group and cirrhotic patients was 3.23±0.85 and 5.40±1.8, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). Taking a cut-off value of 4.57 for fibrosis index, a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 71% were obtained.

Fibrosis index may be valuable in monitoring of patients with chronic hepatitis and may be helpful in selecting patients who require biopsy.