"What Does Hepatic Cirrhosis Sonographic Appearance Mean?"

Update Date: 2024-08-23 Source: Network

Ultrasonic Manifestations of Liver Cirrhosis

The primary ultrasonic manifestations of liver cirrhosis involve alterations in liver morphology, such as increased volume and blunted edges. Additionally, splenomegaly and portal hypertension can be observed.

1. Alterations in Liver Morphology:

During liver cirrhosis, fibrous tissue proliferation and pseudolobule formation lead to abnormal liver structure. B-mode ultrasound examination reveals a significant increase in liver size, accompanied by irregular borders, appearing jagged or nodular.

2. Splenomegaly:

As liver function declines into the decompensated stage, patients often experience esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding, ascites, and other complications. These conditions can lead to a decrease in blood cells. The spleen, being one of the largest immune organs in the body, becomes congested and hypertrophic due to excessive red blood cell destruction, resulting in varying degrees of splenomegaly.

3. Portal Hypertension:

Clinically, portal hypertension manifests as massive hematemesis or melena in the upper digestive tract, particularly in the late stage of liver cirrhosis. This is primarily associated with extensive compression of intrahepatic vascular beds and is often accompanied by inferior vena cava reflux obstruction, leading to abdominal distension and a frog-belly appearance.

Apart from these common findings, color Doppler ultrasound may indicate decreased liver parenchymal density in cirrhotic patients, with occasional liquefaction areas visible. However, these imaging characteristics have limited significance for early diagnosis. If liver cirrhosis is suspected, prompt medical attention and additional auxiliary tests are recommended for definitive diagnosis. When necessary, medications such as Entecavir Tablets and Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate Tablets should be prescribed under medical guidance. In severe cases, surgical resection of the lesion should be considered to avoid delaying optimal treatment.