Doppler Ultrasonography as a Non-invasive Procedure for Diagnosis of Chronic Hepatitis: A Cross- sectional Study

Background: Viral hepatitis is a major public health problem in the world. Early recognition and treatment is crucial in order to avoid or decrease complications including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver biopsy is an invasive procedure for diagnosis of chronic hepatitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate Doppler ultrasound findings for diagnosis of chronic hepatitis.

Materials and Methods: Doppler studies of liver were performed in 110 patients who were admitted to the hospital. The patients were suspicious for chronic hepatitis, according to the physical examination and laboratory tests. Liver biopsy, ultrasonography of spleen and Doppler ultrasonography of liver were performed. The patients were divided into three groups: normal, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. The data were collected and analyzed using SPSS software.

Results: According to this study, there was a significant difference between IVC diameters in three groups during expiration. (p<0.001). The difference between IVC diameters in three groups during inspiration was significant, too. (p<0.001). In addition, there was a significant difference between hepatic arterial resistivity indexes in three groups. (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Ultrasonography and Doppler ultrasonography provide valuable information for distinction of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and normal patients by measuring spleen size and IVC diameter during inspiration and expiration. Arterial resistivity index has limited value for detection of early stages of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.