Sonographic and Anatomical Evaluation of the Liver and Portal Vein Reference Values / Evaluación Ecográfica y Anatómica de los Valores de Referencia del Hígado y la Vena Porta

SUMMARY: This paper's aim is a morphometric evaluation of liver and portal vein morphometry using ultrasonography in healthy Turkish population. This study was carried out with 189 subjects (107 females, 82 males). The demographic data and the body surface area were calculated. The longitudinal axis of the liver for two lobes, diagonal axis or liver span, anteroposterior diameter of the liver and portal vein, portal vein transverse diameter, caudate lobe anteroposterior diameter, and portal vein internal diameters as well as longitudinal liver scans in an aortic plane, sagittal plane, transverse plane, and kidney axis were measured. All measurements were analyzed according to age, sex, body mass index, obesity and alcohol consumption. The mean values of the age, height, weight and body mass index were calculated as 44.39 years, 167.05 cm, 74.23 kg, and 27.06kg/m2 in females, respectively. The same values were 44.13 years, 167.70 cm, 75.93 kg and 26.71 kg/m2 in males, respectively. There was significant difference between demographic characteristics, gender, and alcohol consumption in terms of anteroposterior diameter of the liver, portal vein transverse diameter of the right side and liver transverse scan. Also, some measurements including portal vein transverse diameter, liver transverse scan and at kidney axis longitudinal scan of liver showed significant difference between the age groups. There was significant difference in diagonal axis and anteroposterior diameter of liver, portal vein internal diameter, and longitudinal liver scans of the aortic plane parameters between obesity situation. The findings obtained will provide important and useful reference values as it may determine some abnormalities related liver diseases. Also, age, sex, obesity and body mass index values can be effective in the liver and portal vein morphometry related parameters.

El objetivo de este artículo fue realizar una evaluación de la morfometría del hígado y la vena porta mediante ecografía en una población turca sana. Este estudio se llevó a cabo en 189 sujetos (107 mujeres, 82 hombres). Se calcularon los datos demográficos y la superficie corporal. Se midió eleje longitudinal del de dos lóbulos del hígado, el eje diagonal o la extensión del hígado, los diámetros anteroposterior del hígado y de la vena porta, el diámetro transversal de la vena porta, anteroposterior del lóbulo caudado y los diámetros internos de la vena porta, así como las exploraciones longitudinales del hígado en un plano aórtico. Se midieron el plano sagital, el plano transversal y el eje del riñón. Todas las mediciones se analizaron según edad, sexo, índice de masa corporal, obesidad y consumo de alcohol. Los valores medios de edad, talla, peso e índice de masa corporal se calcularon como 44,39 años, 167,05 cm, 74,23 kg y 27,06 kg/m2 en las mujeres, respectivamente. Las mismas variable fueron 44,13 años, 167,70 cm, 75,93 kg y 26,71 kg/m2. Hubo diferencias significativas entre las características demográficas, el sexo y el consumo de alcohol en términos de diámetro anteroposterior del hígado, diámetro transversal de la vena porta del lado derecho y exploración transversal del hígado. Además, algunas mediciones, incluido el diámetro transversal de la vena porta, la exploración transversal del hígado y la exploración longitudinal del hígado en el eje del riñón, mostraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos de edad. Hubo diferencias significativas en el eje diagonal y el diámetro anteroposterior del hígado, el diámetro interno de la vena porta y los parámetros de las exploraciones hepáticas longitudinales del plano aórtico entre situaciones de obesidad. Los hallazgos obtenidos proporcionarán valores de referencia importantes y útiles ya que pueden determinar algunas anomalías relacionadas con enfermedades hepáticas. Además, los valores de edad, sexo, obesidad e índice de masa corporal pueden ser eficaces en los parámetros relacionados con la morfometría del hígado y la vena porta.

Liver Size and its Correlation with Anthropometric Parameters and Age / El Tamaño del Hígado y su Correlación con los Parámetros Antropométricos y la Edad

SUMMARY: The liver has over 500 physiological and biochemical roles in our organism so checking of liver size and function is a part of every clinical examination. Aim of our research was to estimate liver size on computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen images and to determinate relations between liver dimensions and anthropometric parameters. The research included 99 patients, 49 men and 50 women, who were referred for CT of abdomen. We measured body height (BH) and body mass (BM), and calculated body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA). Also, on CT images we measured anteroposterior (AP), laterolateral (LL) and two craniocaudal liver diameters (one at the level of midclavicular line - CCmcl, and the other was maximal - CCmax). Liver volume (LV) was calculated with formula. Our results showed that AP diameter positively correlated with BSA (r=0.30) in women. LL diameter positively correlated with BH (r=0.43), and BSA (0.31) in men. CCmcl diameter positively correlated with BH (r=0.33), BM (r=0.31), and BSA (r=0.34) in men, while in women it correlated only with BH (r=0.38). CCmax diameter positively correlated with BH (r=0.33) and BSA (r=0.33) in men. LV positively correlated with BH and BSA in both men (r=0.36, r=0.33, respectively) and women (r=0.42, r=0.31, respectively), and in men also with BM (r=0.34). LL, CCmcl, CCmax, and LV negatively correlated with aging in both sexes After the age of 60, there was a decrease in size of LL, CC diameters, as well as in LV. We concluded that liver dimensions decrease with aging, regardless of sex at the expanse of LL and CC diameters which are related to the size of body parameters, so that for a precise evaluation of liver size all three diameters should be measured, LV as well as BH, BM, and BSA.

El hígado desempeña más de 500 funciones fisiológicas y bioquímicas en nuestro organismo, por lo que comprobar el tamaño y la función de este órgano es parte de cada examen clínico. El objetivo de nuestra investigación fue estimar el tamaño del hígado mediante tomografía computarizada (TC) de imágenes del abdomen y determinar las relaciones entre las dimensiones del hígado y los parámetros antropométricos. La investigación incluyó a 99 pacientes, 49 hombres y 50 mujeres, que fueron remitidos para TC de abdomen. Medimos la altura corporal (BH) y la masa corporal (BM), y calculamos el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el área de superficie corporal (BSA). Además, en las imágenes de TC medimos los diámetros hepáticos anteroposterior (AP), laterolateral (LL) y dos craneocaudales (uno a nivel de la línea medioclavicular - CCmcl, y el diámetro máximo - CCmax). El volumen del hígado (VI) se calculó con una fórmula. Nuestros resultados mostraron que el diámetro AP se correlacionó positivamente con BSA (r = 0,30) en mujeres. El diámetro de LL se correlacionó positivamente con BH (r=0,43) y BSA (0,31) en hombres. El diámetro CCmcl se correlacionó positivamente con BH (r=0,33), BM (r=0,31) y BSA (r=0,34) en hombres, mientras que en mujeres se correlacionó solo con BH (r=0,38). El diámetro CCmax se correlacionó positivamente con BH (r=0,33) y BSA (r=0,33) en hombres. El VI se correlacionó positivamente con BH y BSA tanto en hombres (r=0,36, r=0,33, respectivamente) como en mujeres (r=0,42, r=0,31, respectivamente), y en hombres también con BM (r=0,34). LL, CCmcl, CCmax y LV se correlacionaron negativamente con el envejecimiento en ambos sexos. Después de los 60 años, hubo una disminución en el tamaño de los diámetros LL, CC y LV. Concluimos que las dimensiones del hígado disminuyen con la edad, independientemente del sexo, en la extensión de los diámetros LL y CC que están relacionados con el tamaño de los parámetros corporales, por lo que para una evaluación precisa del tamaño del hígado se debe medir LV como BH, BM y BSA.

Metodologías de Medición de Volumetría Hepática / Methodologies For Measuring Hepatic Volumetry

Lograr determinar el volumen total de un hígado (VHT), o volumetría hepática, pasa a ser de relevancia en diversas situaciones, tales como, vigilancia del progreso de una enfermedad de carácter crónico, planificación de resecciones y trasplantes hepáticos; y observación del clearance hepático de algunos fármacos hepatotropos. La VHT se puede realizar utilizando métodos de segmentación en el curso de una tomografía computarizada (TC), ya sean estos manual, automáticos, y semiautomáticos; mediante resonancia nuclear (RN), utilizando softwares de distintas generaciones (1ª a 4ª). La medición de VHT está indicada en pacientes sometidos a resecciones hepáticas mayores, en el contexto del tratamiento de neoplasias (carcinoma hepatocelular, colangiocarcinoma, metástasis hepáticas o tumores benignos de gran tamaño), abscesos (piogénicos, amebianos), y después de un traumatismo hepático complejo; así como también en la etapa preoperatoria de un trasplante hepático. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue generar un documento de estudio sobre métodos para determinar volumetría hepática.

SUMMARY: Being able to determine the total hepatic volume (THV), or THV, becomes relevant in various situations, such as monitoring the progress of a chronic disease, planning resections and liver transplants; and observation of the hepatic clearance of some hepatotropic drugs. THV can be performed using segmentation methods in the course of a computed tomography (CT), whether manual, automatic, or semi-automated; by nuclear resonance (NR), using software from different generations (1st to 4st). THV measurement is indicated in patients undergoing major liver resections, in the context of treatment of neoplasms (hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, liver metastases or large benign tumors), abscesses (pyogenic, amoebic), and after liver trauma complex, as well as in the preoperative stage of a liver transplant. The aim of this manuscript was to generate a study document regarding methods for determine hepatic volumetry.

Optimal Parameters for Virtual Mono-Energetic Imaging of Liver Solid Lesions / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To explore the optimal parameters for virtual mono-energetic imaging of liver solid lesions. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 60 patients undergoing contrast-enhanced spectral CT of the abdomen.The iodine concentration values of hepatic arterial phase images and the CT values of different mono-energetic images were measured.The correlation coefficient and coefficient of variation were calculated. Results The average correlation coefficients between iodine concentrations and CT values of hepatic solid lesion images at 40,45,50,55,60,65,and 70 keV were 0.996,0.995,0.993,0.989,0.978,0.970,and 0.961,respectively.The correlation coefficients at 40(P=0.007),45(P=0.022),50 keV (P=0.035)were higher than that at 55 keV,and the correlation coefficients at 40 keV(P=0.134) and 45 keV(P=0.368) had no significant differences from that at 50 keV.The coefficients of variation of the CT values at 40,45,and 50 keV were 0.146,0.154,and 0.163,respectively. Conclusion The energy of 40 keV is optimal for virtual mono-energetic imaging of liver solid lesions in the late arterial phase,which is helpful for the diagnosis of liver diseases.

Modified amoebic liver abscess: Case report / Absceso hepático amebiano modificado: reporte de un caso

Abstract We present the case of a 56-year-old black female patient from a rural area in the Morón municipality, Ciego de Ávila province, Cuba. She was admitted with symptoms of dysentery with several days of evolution and a later episode of high fever, compromised general status, and abdominal pain located in the right hypochondrium. Analytical studies reported leukocytosis with a predominance of polymorphonuclear cells, Entamoeba histolytica was found in the stool study. Abdominal ultrasound reported a mixed image of 110 x 84 mm in the upper right lobe of the liver, as confirmed by computed tomography. This image was interpreted as a possible liver abscess. The patient received antimicrobial treatment for four weeks without a good response, thus requiring surgical intervention. She evolved favorably and was discharged after 21 days.

Resumen Se presenta el caso de una paciente de raza negra de 56 años procedente de área rural de Morón, provincia Ciego de Ávila (Cuba), quien ingresa por cuadro clínico de disentería de varios días de evolución acompañado de fiebre, compromiso de su estado general y dolor abdominal en el hipocondrio derecho. Los estudios analíticos de laboratorio mostraron leucocitosis con predominio de neutrófilos y presencia de trofozoitos de Entamoeba histolytica en la materia fecal. La ecografía de abdomen reporto una imagen mixta de 110 x 84 mm en el lóbulo derecho del hígado y la tomografía confirmó la lesión que se interpretó como un posible absceso hepático. Se inició tratamiento antimicrobiano por un periodo de 4 semanas sin adecuada respuesta por lo que requirió tratamiento quirúrgico. Su evolución fue favorable con egreso a los 21 días.

Lesión quirúrgica de vía biliar compleja. Manejo conservador / Complex bile duct injury. Conservative management

RESUMEN La colecistectomía laparoscópica es el tratamiento de elección para la litiasis vesicular sintomática. Aunque la tasa de complicaciones es baja, las lesiones de la vía biliar representan un grave problema. La asociación con una lesión vascular (lesión compleja) genera un impacto adicional, disminuyendo la calidad de vida y la sobrevida a largo plazo. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con lesión compleja por compromiso vascular del pedículo hepático derecho que desarrolló una atrofia del parénquima correspondiente. Ante la ausencia de complicaciones sépticas, el tratamiento no operatorio pudo realizarse en forma exitosa.

ABSTRACT Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered the standard of care for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Although the rate of complications is low, bile duct injuries represent a serious problem. The association with vascular injury (complex injury) poses an additional impact by reducing the quality of life and long-term survival. We report the case of a female patient with complex injury due to vascular involvement of the right hepatic pedicle who developed right liver atrophy. Non-operative management was successful due to the absence of septic complications.

Construction and Application of YOLOv3-Based Diatom Identification Model of Scanning Electron Microscope Images / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To construct a YOLOv3-based model for diatom identification in scanning electron microscope images, explore the application performance in practical cases and discuss the advantages of this model.@*METHODS@#A total of 25 000 scanning electron microscopy images were collected at 1 500× as an initial image set, and input into the YOLOv3 network to train the identification model after experts' annotation and image processing. Diatom scanning electron microscopy images of lung, liver and kidney tissues taken from 8 drowning cases were identified by this model under the threshold of 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 respectively, and were also identified by experts manually. The application performance of this model was evaluated through the recognition speed, recall rate and precision rate.@*RESULTS@#The mean average precision of the model in the validation set and test set was 94.8% and 94.3%, respectively, and the average recall rate was 81.2% and 81.5%, respectively. The recognition speed of the model is more than 9 times faster than that of manual recognition. Under the threshold of 0.4, the mean recall rate and precision rate of diatoms in lung tissues were 89.6% and 87.8%, respectively. The overall recall rate in liver and kidney tissues was 100% and the precision rate was less than 5%. As the threshold increased, the recall rate in all tissues decreased and the precision rate increased. The F1 score of the model in lung tissues decreased with the increase of threshold, while the F1 score in liver and kidney tissues with the increase of threshold.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The YOLOv3-based diatom electron microscope images automatic identification model works at a rapid speed and shows high recall rates in all tissues and high precision rates in lung tissues under an appropriate threshold. The identification model greatly reduces the workload of manual recognition, and has a good application prospect.

Application of stereology in liver volume measurements using computed tomography scan / Aplicación de la estereología en mediciones de volumen hepático mediante tomografía computarizada

SUMMARY: The application of stereology in hepatobiliary conditions is essential in liver volume estimation. Computerized topographic scan with contrast is a reliable method in liver scanning for precise boundaries demarcation. Liver volumetry varies in relation to different factors. Reports showed a correlation of liver volume with sex and body mass index. Steady relation between age and ethnicity is not established. This study aimed to design a protocol for liver volume measurement and apply it in the estimation of volume among the Sudanese population use stereology. Recruitment of the study population was obtained in the royal scan clinic in Khartoum by making an announcement for participation in the study. Patients with a history of hepatobiliary diseases were excluded. CT abdomen with contrast was obtained in DICOM format and transferred to computer-based software for image analysis. A protocol was designed and validated and then applied in volume estimation using software MRIcro for image display, ImageJ for volume estimation, and Onis 2.6 as image viewer. 300 apparently healthy volunteers were recruited. The protocol reliability result was 0.805. Absolute mean liver volume was 3261.32 ± 1365.313 cm3. High liver volume among females was detected than among males. A positive correlation was detected between volume and body mass index (p-value 0.001) regardless of sex. Relation with age showed a rough steady rise till the age of 50 years then it started to decline steadily. The relationship was detected in liver volume with sex and body mass index. More studies are needed to investigate the relationship between ethnicity and age groups.

RESUMEN: La aplicación de la estereología en condiciones hepatobiliares es fundamental en la estimación del volumen hepático. El escaneo topográfico computarizado con contraste es un método confiable en el escaneo del hígado para la demarcación precisa de sus límites. La volumetría hepática varía en función de diferentes factores. Los informes mostraron una correlación del volumen del hígado con el sexo y el índice de masa corporal. No se establece una relación estable entre la edad y la etnia. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo diseñar un protocolo para la medición del volumen hepático de la población sudanesa usando la estereología. El reclutamiento de la población de estudio fue realizado en la clínica de exploración real en Jartum mediante un anuncio de participación. Se excluyeron los pacientes con antecedentes de enfermedades hepatobiliares. Se obtuvo TC de abdomen con contraste en formato DICOM y se transfirió a un software informático para el análisis de imágenes. Se diseñó y validó un protocolo y luego se aplicó en la estimación de volumen utilizando el software MRIcro para la visualización de imágenes, ImageJ para la estimación de volumen y Onis 2.6 como visor de imágenes. Se reclutaron 300 voluntarios sanos. El resultado de la fiabilidad del protocolo fue 0,805. El volumen hepático medio absoluto fue 3261,32 ± 1365,313 cm3. Se detectó un volumen más elevado de hígado en las mujeres que en los hombres. Se detectó una correlación positiva entre el volumen y el índice de masa corporal (valor de p 0,001) independientemente del sexo. La relación con la edad mostró un aumento continuo y brusco hasta los 50 años, luego comenzó a disminuir de manera constante. Se detectó la relación del volumen hepático con el sexo y el índice de masa corporal. Se necesitan más estudios para investigar la relación entre la etnia y los grupos etarios.

Applied research of ultrasound attenuation parameter in the diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, establish a diagnostic model, and value of ultrasound attenuation parameters (UAP) to diagnose hepatic steatosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and its relevant disorders. Methods: 3770 cases were selected from the Health Examination Center of the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University between October to December 2020. MAFLD diagnosis was based on the Asia-Pacific region MAFLD clinical diagnosis and treatment guidelines. The degree of hepatic steatosis was divided into mild, moderate and severe according to ultrasound imaging. UAP, clinical characteristic indexes, serum biochemical indexes, characteristics of hepatic steatosis and related factors were compared and analyzed in MAFLD patients and healthy controls. Logistic regression method was used to analyze the independent risk factors affecting the progression of hepatic steatosis in MAFLD to establish the diagnostic model. The clinical efficacy of UAP and the new model in diagnosing MAFLD was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). One-way ANOVA was used to compare means among multiple groups. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare non-normally distributed measurement data between the two groups, and rank-sum test was used to compare multiple groups. χ2 test was used to compare count data between groups. Results: Among the 3 770 cases, 650 were MAFLD, with a prevalence rate of 17.24%, and the highest prevalence was 37.23% in the age group of 60-69. The prevalence rate was significantly higher in male than female (30.34% vs. 9.17%). Age-sex analysis showed that the prevalence rate in males aged 30-69 years was 38.26%, and that in females aged over 60 years was 31.94%. UAP was significantly higher in patients with MAFLD than healthy controls (278.55 dB/m vs. 220.90 dB/m, Z=-12.592, P＜0.001), and an increasing trend with increased degree of hepatic steatosis (mild:257.20 dB/m, moderate:286.20 dB/m, and severe: 315.00 dB/m) were observed. The cut-off values of UAP for the diagnosis of mild, moderate and severe hepatic steatosis were 243≤UAP＜258 dB/m, 258≤UAP＜293 dB/m, ≥293 dB/m in MAFLD. The sensitivity and specificity were 67.20%, 93.60%, 95.90%, and 82.10%, 72.00%, and 84.80%, respectively. UAP, alanine aminotransferase and fasting blood glucose were independent risk factors for the progression of hepatic steatosis in MAFLD. The combined MAFLD classification model (UAG model) was established. The AUC of mild, moderate and severe hepatic steatosis in MAFLD were 0.906, 0.907, and 0.946, respectively, and the sensitivity and specificity were 76.50%, 82.10%, 98.00%, and 90.80%, 83.30% and 76.10%, respectively. Conclusion: MAFLD is a common disease in the general population, with a higher incidence in male and elderly female over 30 years of age. UAP can be used as a new noninvasive diagnostic technique to evaluate hepatic steatosis in MAFLD. The UAG model has a good diagnostic efficacy on MAFLD and its relevant disorders, and thus can be used as a guide for evaluating clinical diagnosis and prognosis.

Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography and liver fibrosis risk scores in severe obesity

ABSTRACT Objective: Identifying significant fibrosis is crucial to evaluate the prognosis and therapeutic interventions in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We assessed the performance of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography, APRI, FIB-4, Forns, NFS and BARD scores in determining liver fibrosis in severe obesity. Subjects and methods: A prospective study included 108 patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Liver biopsy specimens were obtained intraoperatively and classified according to the NAFLD Activity Score. Patients were assessed with serological markers and shear wave velocity of the liver was measured with the Siemens S2000 ultrasound system preoperatively. Optimal cut-off values were determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC). Results: In the entire cohort prevalence of NAFLD was 80.6%, steatohepatitis 25.9% and significant fibrosis 19.4%. The best tests for predicting significant fibrosis were FIB-4 and Forns scores (both AUROC 0.78), followed by APRI (AUROC 0.74), NFS (AUROC 0.68), BARD (AUROC 0.64) and ARFI (AUROC 0.62). ARFI elastography was successful in 73% of the patients. Higher body mass index (BMI) correlated with invalid ARFI measurements. In patients with BMI < 42 kg/m2, ARFI showed 92.3% sensitivity and 82,6% specificity for the presence of significant fibrosis, with AUROC 0.86 and cut-off 1.32 m/s. Conclusions: FIB-4 and Forns scores were the most accurate for the prediction of significant fibrosis in bariatric patients. Applicability and accuracy of ARFI was limited in individuals with severe obesity. In patients with BMI < 42 kg/m2, ARFI elastography was capable for predicting significant fibrosis with relevant accuracy.

Diameter measurements and variations of the hepatic arterial system in multidetector computed tomography images / Mediciones de diámetro y variaciones del sistema arterial hepático en imágenes de tomografía computarizada multidetector

SUMMARY: Liver plays an important role in many events such as bile production, blood filtration and metabolic functions. The liver is supplied by the hepatic arterial system. The hepatic arterial system anatomy has a variable structure and the rate of variation is high. In our study, we aimed to determine the diameters and variation of the arteries supplying the liver with multidetector computed tomography images. In this study, hepatic arterial system variations of 500 cases whose abdominal region was imaged with multi- detector computed tomography were evaluated and the diameters of the related arteries were measured. The mean diameters of classical and variational anatomy were determined in this study. According to mean measurements of classical and variational anatomy were abdominal aorta 21.95 mm, celiac artery 7.2 mm, common hepatic artery 4.3 mm, proper hepatic artery 2.93 mm, right hepatic artery 2.92 mm, left hepatic artery 2.51 mm and abdominal aorta 21.85 mm, celiac artery 6.99 mm, common hepatic artery 5.07 mm, proper hepatic artery 3.83 mm, right hepatic artery 2.87 mm ve left hepatic artery 2.09 mm respectively. When evaluated in terms of variations, 85.6 % of the cases had branching according to Type I, 14.4 % of the cases had different branching patterns. Type III (87.5 %) was the most observed variation among them. As a result of the study, it was determined that the arterial diameters vary according to the state of variation and that the arterial diameter of men are greater than that of women.

RESUMEN: El hígado juega un papel importante en diferentes eventos, tal como la producción de bilis, la filtración de sangre y las funciones metabólicas. El hígado está irrigado por el sistema arterial hepático. La anatomía del sistema arterial hepático tiene una estructura variable y la tasa de variación es alta. En nuestro estudio, nuestro objetivo fue determinar los diámetros y la variación de las arterias que irrigan el hígado con imágenes de tomografía computarizada multidetector. Se evaluaron las variaciones del sistema arterial hepático de 500 casos y se obtuvieron imágenes con tomografía computarizada de detectores múltiples abdominales y se midieron los diámetros de las arterias relacionadas. Se determinaron los diámetros medios de la anatomía clásica y variacional. Según las medidas medias de la anatomía clásica y variacional fueron aorta abdominal 21,95 mm, arteria celíaca 7,2 mm, arteria hepática común 4,3 mm, arteria hepática propia 2,93 mm, arteria hepática derecha 2,92 mm, arteria hepática izquierda arteria 2,51 mm y parte abdominal de la aorta 21,85 mm, arteria celíaca 6,99 mm, arteria hepática común 5,07 mm, arteria hepática propia 3,83 mm, arteria hepática derecha 2,87 mm y arteria hepática izquierda 2,09 respectivamente. Cuando se evaluó en términos de variaciones, el 85,6 % de los casos tenían ramificaciones según el Tipo I, el 14,4 % de los casos tenían diferentes patrones de ramificación. El tipo III (87,5 %) fue la variación más observada entre ellos. Como resultado del estudio, se determinó que los diámetros arteriales varían según el estado de variación y que el diámetro arterial de los hombres es mayor que el de las mujeres.

Software-assisted image analysis for identification and quantification of hepatic sinusoidal dilatation and centrilobular fibrosis / Análise da imagem histológica assistida por software para identificação e quantificação de dilatação sinusoidal e fibrose hepática centrolubular

ABSTRACT Background: Heart dysfunction and liver disease often coexist because of systemic disorders. Any cause of right ventricular failure may precipitate hepatic congestion and fibrosis. Digital image technologies have been introduced to pathology diagnosis, allowing an objective quantitative assessment. The quantification of fibrous tissue in liver biopsy sections is extremely important in the classification, diagnosis and grading of chronic liver disease. Aim: To create a semi-automatic computerized protocol to quantify any amount of centrilobular fibrosis and sinusoidal dilatation in liver Masson's Trichrome-stained specimen. Method: Once fibrosis had been established, liver samples were collected, histologically processed, stained with Masson's trichrome, and whole-slide images were captured with an appropriated digital pathology slide scanner. After, a random selection of the regions of interest (ROI's) was conducted. The data were subjected to software-assisted image analysis (ImageJ®). Results: The analysis of 250 ROI's allowed to empirically obtain the best application settings to identify the centrilobular fibrosis (CF) and sinusoidal lumen (SL). After the establishment of the colour threshold application settings, an in-house Macro was recorded to set the measurements (fraction area and total area) and calculate the CF and SL ratios by an automatic batch processing. Conclusion: Was possible to create a more detailed method that identifies and quantifies the area occupied by fibrous tissue and sinusoidal lumen in Masson's trichrome-stained livers specimens.

Resumo Racional: Tecnologias de imagem digital têm sido introduzidas ao diagnóstico patológico, permitindo avaliações quantitativas objetivas. A quantificação de tecido fibroso em biópsias de fígado é extremamente importante para a classificação, diagnóstico e graduação de doenças crônicas hepáticas. Objetivo: Criar um protocolo computadorizado semi-automático para quantificação de fibrose centrolobular e dilatação sinusoidal em amostras de fígado coradas por Tricrômico de Masson. Método: Uma vez instaurada a fibrose, amostras de fígado foram coletadas, processadas histologicamente, coradas por Tricrômico de Masson e WSI (Whole Slide Images) foram capturadas por scanner digital patológico apropriado. Uma seleção aleatória das regiões de interesse (ROI) foi realizada. Os dados foram submetidos a uma análise de imagem assistida por software (ImageJ®). Resultados: A análise de 250 ROIs permitiu obter-se empiricamente as melhores configurações capazes de identificar fibrose centrolobular (FC) e lúmen sinusoidal (LS). Após o estabelecimento das configurações de padrão de cor, uma Macro de autoria própria foi gravada para definir as medidas (área da fração e área total) e calcular as razões de FC e LS por processamento em grupo/lote (batch mode). Conclusão: Foi possível criar um método detalhado capaz de identificar e quantificar a área ocupada por tecido fibroso e lúmen sinusoidal em espécimes de fígado coradas por Tricrômico de Masson.

Diabetes influences liver stiffness in chronic hepatitis C patients with and without virological cure: A longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to prospectively assess the variation in liver stiffness (LS) and the associated factors for LS progression in a cohort of naïve, non-responder (NR), and sustained virological response (SVR) chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. METHODS: This was a longitudinal study on CHC patients prospectively followed with serial elastography (Fibroscan®). The LS progression rate was determined, and the associated factors for progression were assessed using multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 406 patients were followed up for 44 (35-53) months [naïve (29%), NR (24%), and SVR (47%)]. At the end of the follow-up period, the SVR group had a significant decrease in LS [11.8 (9.2) vs. 8.8 (8.4) kPa (p<0.001)], the NR group had a significant increase in LS [6.6 (5.2) vs. 7.1 (4.5) kPa (p=0.069)], and the naïve group had no change in LS [6.3 (3.0) vs. 6.0 (3.8) kPa (p=0.22)]. The related factors for LS progression were lack of SVR (p=0.002) and diabetes (p=0.05). In the non-diabetic SVR group, a negative rate of progression (-0.047 kPa/month) was observed, whereas in the diabetic SVR group, a positive rate of progression (+0.037 kPa/month) was observed. The highest rate of progression was observed in NR with diabetes at the rate of +0.044 kPa/month. CONCLUSION: LS in diabetes patients progresses despite SVR, suggesting the need for a close follow-up of this group post-treatment considering the risk of progression of liver disease even after SVR.

Assessment of liver disease by non-invasive methods in perinatally infected Brazilian adolescents and young adults living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Effective and long-term combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) has decreased morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals. Despite treatment advances, HIV-infected children continue to develop noninfectious conditions, including liver fibrosis. Methods: Cross-sectional study designed to identify liver fibrosis in HIV-infected adolescents and young adults, in an outpatients clinic of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division at Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), diagnosed by noninvasive methods (liver elastography-FibroScan®, APRI and FIB4). Variables examined included demographics, clinical, laboratories, HIV treatment. All participants underwent FibroScan® to measure liver parenchyma elasticity. Values equal to above 7.0 kPa were interpreted as the presence of significant liver fibrosis. Two different biomarkers of liver fibrosis were employed: the AST-to-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and the Fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4). APRI values above 1.5 have been considered as levels of clinically significant liver fibrosis and FIB-4 values above 3.25 suggested the presence of advanced fibrosis. Results: Between August 2014 and March 2017, the study enrolled 97 patients, age 10-27 years old, fourteen of 97 subjects (14.4%) presented liver stiffness (≥7 kPa) detected by the liver elastography. No patient had APRI> 1.5. No patient had FIB4 value > 3.25. The only isolated laboratory parameter that could be significantly associated with high liver stiffness was thrombocytopenia (p= 0.022, Fisher's exact test). Conclusion: Liver stiffness was identified in 14.4% (14/97) of this cohort by liver elastography. Liver disease in HIV-infected adolescents and young adults manifests itself silently, so should be routinely investigated.

Monitoring microwave ablation using ultrasound backscatter homodyned K imaging: Comparison of estimators / 生物医学工程学杂志

The feasibility of ultrasound backscatter homodyned K model parametric imaging (termed homodyned K imaging) to monitor coagulation zone during microwave ablation was investigated. Two recent estimators for the homodyned K model parameter, RSK (the estimation method based on the signal-to-noise ratio, the skewness, and the kurtosis of the amplitude envelope of ultrasound) and XU (the estimation method based on the first moment of the intensity of ultrasound,

Research Progress of Quantitative Ultrasound Assessment of Liver Steatosis in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / 中国医学科学院学报

The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)keeps on rise.Without intervention,it may develop to steatohepatitis,cirrhosis,and even hepatocellular carcinoma.Liver biopsy,the gold standard for evaluating the steatosis severity of NAFLD,is invasive and unsuitable for large-scale screening.In recent years,magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-related examinations have been used as a gold standard only second to liver biopsy,which still have disadvantages in large-scale application.Ultrasound has the advantages of simple operation,low cost,and safety,and may become an important method for accessing NALFD.This review summarizes the current studies about the diagnosis of liver steatosis by quantitative ultrasound assessment,including controlled attenuation parameters,attenuation imaging,ultrasonic liver/kidney intensity ratio and liver attenuation rate,and integrated backscatter.

Guideline for ultrasonic diagnosis of liver diseases / 中华肝脏病杂志

Ultrasound is a non-invasive, real-time, inexpensive, radiation-free and easily repeatable method, usually used for liver imaging. In recent years, new ultrasound examination techniques for liver diseases such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound and elastography have been rapidly developed, which can effectively identify intrahepatic space-occupying lesions, assess the degree of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension, and monitor the effects of treatment. Therefore, these technologies play an important diagnostic role in clinical liver diseases and have therapeutic interventional value. This guideline classifies the instrument set-up, patient preparation, and physician examination methods through multimodal ultrasound examinations (gray-scale ultrasound, color Doppler ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, elastic ultrasound) for liver diseases. In addition, liver diseases multimodal ultrasound technology diagnostic criteria for diffuse hepatic lesions (inflammatory lesions, fibrosis, and sclerosis), multiple space-occupying lesions, and interventional procedures have been defined and standardized. Concurrently, we also recommend the ultrasound monitoring time interval and diagnostic report writing standard for liver diseases.

Tumor fibroso solitario hepático gigante. Informe de caso en la Argentina / Giant solitary fibrous tumors of the liver. A case report in Argentina

RESUMEN Los tumores fibrosos solitarios hepáticos, una neoplasia poco frecuente, son tumores benignos del tejido submesotelial, pero con un potencial maligno no definido. Suelen presentarse asintomáticos, pero pueden debutar como una masa abdominal palpable y con síntomas de plenitud. Por imágenes pueden ser confundidos con otros tumores y está indicado el tratamiento quirúrgico. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 70 años resuelto por hepatectomía lateral izquierda, y realizamos una revisión bibliográfica del tema.

ABSTRACT Solitary fibrous tumors of the liver are uncommon benign tumors originating from the submesothelial tissue with non-well-defined malignant potential. Most cases present as asymptomatic, some cases show abdominal bloating and a palpable mass. They may mimic other tumors on imaging tests and surgery is indicated. We report a case of a 70-year-old female patient treated with left lateral liver resection with literature review of the condition.

Assessment of remnant liver function and volume after selective ligation of portal vein and hepatic artery in a rat model

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate liver regeneration after selective ligation of portal vein and hepatic artery by 3D Computed Tomography in an experimental model. Methods: Sixteen Wistar rats were randomized into four equal groups: Group I- control (sham), Group II- isolated selective ligation of the hepatic artery, Group III- isolated selective ligation of the portal vein and Group IV- combined ligation of portal vein and hepatic artery. Before procedure and five days after a 3D CT Scan was performed to analyze the hypertrophy, weight and function of the remnant liver. Results: The largest regeneration rate and increase of weight in the hypertrophied lobe was detected in group IV, the first with an average of 3.99 (p=0.006) and the last varying from 6.10g to 9.64g (p=0.01). However, total liver weight and the R1 ratio (Hypertrophied Lobe Weight/Total Liver Weight) was higher in group III (P<0.001) when compared with groups I, II and IV and showed no difference between them. The immunohistochemical examination with PCNA also found higher percentages with statistical significance differences in rats of groups III and IV. It was possible to confirm a strong correlation between hypertrophied lobe weight and its imaging volumetric study. Liver function tests only showed a significant difference in serum gamma-glutamyltransferase and phosphorous. Conclusion: There is a largest liver regeneration after combined ligation of portal vein and hepatic artery and this evidence may improve the knowledge of surgical treatment of liver injuries, with a translational impact in anima nobile.

Cuantificación de esteatosis hepática no alcohólica por resonancia magnética / Quantification of liver fat infiltration by magnetic resonance

Background: A simple and inexpensive method is required to assess fatty infiltration of the liver non-invasively. Aim: To develop and compare different methods to quantify liver fat by magnetic resonance and compare it against ultrasound. Material and Methods: Three algorithms were implemented: region growing (RG), graph cuts (GC) and hierarchical (HR), all based on the IDEAL method to obtain water and fat images. Using these images, the proton density fat fraction (PDFF) was calculated. The three methods were tested in phantoms with known fat percentages and later on we acquired images from 20 volunteers with an ultrasound diagnosis of fatty liver disease in different stages. For everyone, the PDFF of the nine liver segments was determined. Results: In phantoms, the mean error between the real fat percentage and the value obtained through the three methods was −1,26, −1 and −0,8 for RG, GC and HR, respectively. The hierarchical method was more precise and efficient to obtain PDFF. The results in volunteers revealed that ultrasound showed errors categorizing the severity of hepatic steatosis in more than 50% of volunteers. Conclusions: We developed a tool for magnetic resonance, which allows to quantify fat in the liver. This method is less operator dependent than ultrasound and describes the heterogeneity in the fat distribution along the nine hepatic segments.