| Popis: |
The aim of the study was to evaluate the relevance of novel ultrasound-based imagining and serum molecular biomarkers for the non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. Objectives: 1) to evaluate the relevance of the radiofrequency ultrasound-based tissue strain imaging method for the non-invasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis; 2) to evaluate the relevance of the radiofrequency ultrasound-based tissue strain imaging method for the non-invasive diagnosis of portal hypertension; 3) to evaluate plasma levels of placental growth factor, Nogo-A protein, soluble CD163 molecule and Von Willebrand factor in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension; 4) to evaluate the diagnostic value of placental growth factor, Nogo-A protein, soluble CD163 molecule and Von Willebrand factor for the diagnosis of portal hypertension; 5) to evaluate the diagnostic value of placental growth factor, NogoA protein, soluble CD163 molecule and Von Willebrand factor for the detection of esophageal varices. Conclusions: radiofrequency parameters, obtained using the ultrasound-based tissue strain imaging method, showed moderate performance in diagnosing liver fibrosis. Maximal amplitude of the displacements backward (dretro) was a strong predictor of portal hypertension with 100% sensitivity. Levels of all serum biomarkers showed moderate predictive value in determining portal hypertension. Placental growth factor predicted high-risk esophageal varices with 90% sensitivity. |
