Liver and Spleen Stiffness Measurements Predict HCC Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Gaspar Rui, Mota Joana, Almeida Maria João, Silva Marco, Macedo Guilherme
Primary Institution: Centro Hospitalar de São João
Hypothesis
The study aims to evaluate the relationship between liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) and the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic patients.
Conclusion
The risk of developing HCC is associated with liver fibrosis but not with portal hypertension.
Supporting Evidence
- More than 90% of HCC cases occur in cirrhotic patients.
- LSM has shown high accuracy for diagnosing liver cirrhosis.
- During the follow-up, 18 patients developed HCC.
- LSM was the only factor associated with the development of HCC.
Takeaway
Doctors can use special tests to measure how stiff the liver and spleen are to help figure out if someone might get liver cancer.
Methodology
A prospective study on cirrhotic patients was performed, where all patients underwent liver and spleen elastography.
Limitations
The study is single-center, has a relatively short follow-up period, and includes a limited number of HCC cases.
Participant Demographics
75.9% male, mean age 61.8 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.612–0.819
Statistical Significance
p = 0.002
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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