Abstract
Background: Chronic liver damage, such as viral hepatitis, causes liver fibrosis. Recently, the advent of interferon (INF) and antiviral drugs has reduced hepatitis viruses, enabling liver function recovery and fibrosis improvement. A quantitative assessment of liver fibrosis is mandatory to identify treatment efficacy.
Aim: We aimed to apply speed-of-sound (SOS) values for the objective assessment of fibrosis in liver biopsy because SOS values correlate with stiffness.
Methods: We differentiated SOS images of pre- and post-treatment INF liver. We then compared the SOS values with the fibrosis score and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) values. We tried to digest sections with collagenase to clarify the process of fibrosis deletion.
Results: After INF therapy, SOS images demonstrated a marked reduction in fibrosis in the lobules. SOS values were well correlated with the fibrosis score and slightly corresponded to MRE values. Perisinusoidal fibrosis was susceptible to collagenase digestion. Portal areas were minimal.
Conclusion: The SOS value, which objectively evaluates fibrosis in tissue sections, is an excellent indicator. It assesses fibrosis progression and reduction post-treatment.