Possible use of 2D shear wave liver elastography in new-onset ascites evaluation

TL;DR

This study explores using 2D shear wave elastography to non-invasively assess the cause of new-onset ascites.

Contribution

It introduces the potential use of 2D shear wave elastography for differentiating ascites types based on liver stiffness.

Findings

A liver stiffness cut-off of 14.4 kPa showed 94% accuracy in identifying ascites with a serum albumin gradient ≥11 g/L.

The technique had a reliable success rate of 84% in measuring liver stiffness in patients with ascites.

Abstract

No data on the use of 2D shear wave elastography exists regarding the evaluation of the new-onset ascites causality.

To determine whether 2D shear wave elastography can help in the non-invasive assessment of the new-onset ascites cause. To assess the applicability of liver stiffness measured by 2D shear wave elastography using Esaote MyLab Nine apparatus in patients with ascites.

In 52 consecutive patients with new-onset ascites (January 2020 to October 2021), liver stiffness using 2D shear wave elastography was prospectively measured. The reliable measurements were used for further analysis. Relevant clinical and laboratory data was collected.

The calculated liver stiffness measurement cut-off value of 14.4 kPa held 94% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, and 83% specificity when determining ascites with serum ascites albumin gradient ≥11 g/L. Reliable 2D shear wave elastography success rate was 84%.

2D shear wave elastography may potentially be used to differentiate transudative from exudative ascites, especially in patients with portal hypertension and peritoneal carcinomatosis.

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