Hepatic vein flow pattern in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Correlation with degree of liver steatosis and fibrosis

Doppler ultrasound (DUS) as a noninvasive easily repeatable imaging method has been considered as an alternative to liver biopsy for the monitoring of disease. Recently, Doppler waveform of hepatic veins is comparatively often used parameter in the diagnostic of hepatic cirrhosis. The potential value of DUS in the diagnostic of liver steatosis is not yet established. Aim: To evaluate hepatic vein flow pattern in patients with chronic hepatitis C and to correlate acquired data with degree of liver steatosis and fibrosis. Material and methods: US examination sessions including conventional US, DUS and liver puncti…