Ultrasound findings in autoimmune hepatitis

World J Gastroenterol. 2018 Apr 21;24(15):1583-1590. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i15.1583.

Abstract

Ultrasound findings in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) have not been reported systematically so far. The use of reliable and accurate noninvasive methods for determining fibrosis stage is important in evaluation of treatment efficacy and fibrosis regression in AIH. Imaging plays an important role in detection of complications and ruling out other possible causes of chronic liver diseases. Ultrasound elastography cut-off values in AIH patients are not the same as those in patients with chronic viral hepatitis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. AIH is characterized by wide fluctuations in inflammatory activity. Here we report on current knowledge of ultrasound findings in AIH.

Keywords: Autoimmune hepatitis; Chronic liver diseases; Elastography; Fibrosis stage; Ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Elasticity Imaging Techniques / methods*
  • Hepatitis, Autoimmune / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hepatitis, Autoimmune / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis, Autoimmune / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / drug therapy
  • Liver Cirrhosis / pathology
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Immunosuppressive Agents