Ultrasound in acute viral hepatitis: Does it have any role?

Abstract

Background: The role of ultrasound in acute viral hepatitis (AVH) is limited to exclude the surgical causes of jaundice. However, there are certain ultrasound features which can help us to suspect AVH in the initial few days before the onset of clinical jaundice. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to detect the changes in the hepatobiliary system on ultrasound in the cases of AVH and to find the significance of these ultrasound findings by comparing them with controls. Materials and Methods: All serologically proven cases of enterically transmitted cases of AVH formed the study group and all healthy patients with clinical diagnosis of lower urinary tract symptoms who had no hepatobiliary disease were taken as controls. Results: Out of 120 cases, 102 cases were male and 18 cases were female. Maximum number of cases 54 (45%) were seen in 21–30 followed by 24 cases (20%) in the age group of 31–40 years. Hepatomegaly was seen in 104 (86.6%) of cases and 38 (25.3%) of controls (P < 0.01). Gall bladder (GB) wall thickening was seen in 91 (75.8%) of cases and 22 (14.6%) controls Contracted GB was seen in 75 (62.5%) cases of AVH and 16 (10.6%) of controls (P < 0.01). Porta nodes were seen in 72 (60%) cases and 15 (10%) controls (P < 0.01). Splenomegaly was seen in 33 (27.5%) of cases and 24 (16%) of controls. Periportal cuffing was seen in 28 (23.3%) of cases and 24 (16%) of controls. Conclusion: The ultrasound findings of hepatomegaly, enlarged porta hepatis nodes, contracted gallbladder and GB wall thickening are significant suggesting a role of ultrasound in the early diagnosis of acute viral hepatitis.

Keywords

• Acute viral hepatitis
• role
• ultrasound