Histological determinants of increased liver stiffness in alcoholic liver disease

Background: Transient elastography (Fibroscan) is a rapidly expanding noninvasive technique to assess liver fibrosis. Besides matrix deposition, several other factors such as inflammation or hepatic congestion are known to affect liver stiffness (LS). Thus far, histological determinants of liver stiffness are poorly understood. Method: LS was measured in 103 patients with histologically confirmed alcoholic liver disease. Liver fibrosis was assessed by two histological scores (Kleiner versus semiquantitative Chevallier score). In addition, collagen stain was quantified using a morphometric computer assisted analy…