Shear Wave Elastography Detects Asymptomatic Changes of the Liver among Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Patients

Abstract

Damage to the liver is a common clinical consequence of chronic diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). This study evaluates whether ultrasound shear wave elastography and hemodynamics of the portal vein and the hepatic artery can complement traditional clinical work-up data for the monitoring of liver health among DM2 patients. Methods: Sixty-four (64) participants (31 controls and 33 patients with confirmed type 2 diabetes mellitus) between 21 to 74 years of age were recruited. Liver size, stiffness and hemodynamics of the portal vein and the hepatic artery were evaluated. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were monitored. Student’s t-test was employed with significance attained at p <0.05. Results: Asymptomatic significant differences were detected among DMT2 patients: (1) Largest Liver size (p=0.04); (2) Higher liver stiffness (p=0.04); (3) Higher alkaline phosphate levels (p=0.03); (4) Higher HbA1c levels (<0.001) and (7) presence of moderate to severe liver fibrosis. DM2 F1 stage has higher liver stiffness (0.006) and HbA1c levels (<0.001).