Comparison of the fibrosis degree using acoustic radiation force impulse elastography and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in chronic hepatitis cases.

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of fibrosis stages in cases of chronic hepatitis by comparing shear wave elastography and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 46 chronic hepatitis patients with an age range of 20-50 years were classified into three groups based on their fibrosis stages. Comparison group 1: the presence of fibrosis (S0 and S1≤); comparison group 2: the presence of significant fibrosis (≤S2 and S3≤); and comparison group 3: the presence of cirrhosis (≤S4 and S6). Shear wave velocities were measured by acoustic radiation force impulse elastography. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was performed on a 3.0 Tesla MRI device. In comparison group 1 (S0 and S1≤), the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity of acoustic radiation force impulse values were 0.784, 87, and 60%, respectively, while these values were 0.718, 80, and 66%, respectively, for apparent diffusion coefficient . In comparison group 2 (≤S2 and S3≤), the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity of acoustic radiation force impulse values were 0.917, 80, and 86%, respectively, and the apparent diffusion coefficient values were 0.778, 90, and 66%, respectively. In comparison group 3, the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity of acoustic radiation force impulse values were 0.977, 100, and 95%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the apparent diffusion coefficient values of the cases in the three groups (p=0.132). Noninvasive methods are gaining importance day by day for staging hepatic fibrosis. Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography was evaluated as a more reliable examination than diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in revealing the presence of fibrosis, determining significant fibrosis, and diagnosing cirrhosis.