Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound Imaging in Detecting Liver Fibrosis among Pakistani Patients

Abstract

Background: Accurate diagnosis of liver fibrosis is critical for timely intervention and management of chronic liver diseases. Ultrasound-based elastography is increasingly utilized as a non-invasive diagnostic tool, yet its accuracy varies depending on patient factors, operator expertise, and disease stage.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound elastography in detecting liver fibrosis among patients attending tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 450 patients undergoing liver fibrosis evaluation. Ultrasound elastography findings were compared against liver biopsy results (gold standard). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall diagnostic accuracy were calculated.

Results: Ultrasound elastography demonstrated a sensitivity of 88.5% and specificity of 84.2% in detecting significant fibrosis. Accuracy varied with fibrosis stage and BMI. The tool was highly reliable for advanced fibrosis but less sensitive in early stages.

Conclusion: Ultrasound elastography is a reliable non-invasive method for detecting liver fibrosis in Pakistani patients, particularly for advanced stages, and may reduce the need for invasive liver biopsies. Implementation should consider operator training and patient selection to maximize diagnostic performance.