Abstract
Purpose: To use contrast-enhanced color Doppler ultrasonography and histopathologic examination modalities to investigate changes in hepatic blood vessel architecture that accompany development of chronic liver disease. Methods: Subjects were 54 patients with biopsy-proven chronic liver disease; individuals with cardiopulmonary disease or intrahepatic tumors were excluded. The divergence angles of the intrahepatic peripheral vessels were measured onto the liver surface with color Doppler sonography (Toshiba Power Vision 8000) in the dynamic-flow mode after contrast enhancement with 300 mg/ml of Levovist. Biopsy specimens were classified according to the New Inuyama classification. Results: Peripheral vessel divergence angle and histopathologic findings were not significantly correlated. Linear blood vessels were always observed in F1 to F3 patients; however, U-shaped vessels were observed only in F4 (Liver cirrhosis) patients. Sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of detecting U-shaped blood vessels in the patients with liver cirrhosis were 76%, 98%, and 91%, respectively. Conclusion: Development of U-shaped vessels is characteristic of the peripheral hepatic vasculature in patients with liver cirrhosis.
