Comparison of Intrahepatic Vein-to-Parenchyma and Intercostal Muscle-to-Parenchyma Strain Ratios in the Assessment of Liver Fibrosis: Which One Should We Use

Abstract

Purpose: The aims of this study were to investigate whether there is a difference in diagnostic value between vein to parenchyma strain ratio (VPSR) and muscle to parenchyma strain ratio (MPSR). Methods: VPSR and MPSR were calculated via sonoelastography, and were recorded for comparison with histopathology. ROC analysis, the Mann–Whitney U test, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and Spearman’s rank correlation test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The study included 59 cases of individuals who underwent biopsy (29 women, 30 men). When the threshold value for VPSR was set at 3.23, the sensitivity was 96.2% and the specificity was 83.3% (p < 0.001, F ≥ 1). When the threshold value was set at 3.01 for MPR, the sensitivity was 88.7% and the specificity was 83.3% (p < 0.001, F ≥ 1). The areas under the curve values were VPSR 0.95 and MPSR 0.92 for F ≥ 1, VPSR 0.94 and MPSR 0.92 for F ≥ 2, and VPSR 1.00 and MPSR 0.76 for F = 3 (p < 0.001). The Spearman’s correlation coefficient was 0.75, and a high positive concordance was found between VPSR and MPSR (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this study, a high positive correlation was observed between two strain ratios, and VPSR was found to be more reliable than MPSR in determining liver fibrosis. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York.