Author information

• ¹Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.
• ²Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States. Electronic address: matann@iupui.edu.
• ³Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States. Electronic address: sliangpu@iupui.edu.

Abstract

Background: Complications of patients with liver disease generally occurs as the consequence of advanced fibrosis and portal hypertension. Non-invasive tools to predict the complications may allow for better risk-stratification and medical management in patients with cirrhosis. The goals of this study were to determine the utility of CT-scan based liver and spleen volume measurement in association with complications and outcomes in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods: Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of 556 patients with cirrhosis who underwent CT scan of the abdomen between January 1-June 30,2009 were reviewed. Liver and spleen volume were measured using semi-automated interactive software and compared to 47 healthy controls. The association between liver and spleen volume and complications of cirrhosis was determined. Independent predictors of survival were analyzed with Cox regression model.

Results: Patients with cirrhosis had significantly lower total and functional liver volume, larger total and functional spleen volume, and significantly lower total liver to spleen volume ratio when compared to controls. Liver volume, spleen volume, and liver to spleen volume ratio were significantly altered in patients with decompensated stage. Patients with hepatic encephalopathy had significantly lower total liver volume and spleen size was associated with the presence of esophageal varices. Patients with cirrhosis who underwent liver transplantation had significantly lower total liver volume and larger total spleen volume. However, spleen volume was not an independent predictor for mortality.

Conclusions: Baseline liver and spleen volume and its ratio are significantly altered in patients with cirrhosis. Spleen volume is also associated with the presence of esophageal varices.