Changes in Liver Stiffness, Associated With Hepatic Decompensation in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Sep 7, 2020 | Konstantinos N. Lazaridis, M.D. | @klazaridis

Single measurements of liver stiffness (LS) by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) have been associated with outcomes of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). In a recent report published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Eaton et al., investigated the associations between changes in LS measurement and progression of PSC. The retrospective review included 204 patients who underwent 2 MREs at a single center between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2018. The primary endpoint was development of hepatic decompensation (ascites, variceal hemorrhage or hepatic encephalopathy). The authors concluded that a single LS measurement and changes in LS over time are independently associated with hepatic decompensation in patients with PSC. However, changes in LS occur slowly in patients without advanced fibrosis or hepatic decompensation.