Comparative study of ultrasound findings on meld score in established case of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension

 

 

Abstract              Background: USD has a complementary role in the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis and represent the preferred screening methodology for the examination of patients with suspected portal hypertension. The MELD score is superior to other prognostic models in patients with end-stage liver disease. Aim: To compare ultrasound findings and MELD score in established case of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Material and Methods: A total of 50 patients clinically suspected or proven to have portal hypertension because of varied etiology were studied with ultrasound Doppler study and MELD score was done. Results: The majority of patients had mild portal hypertension 27 (54%), followed by moderate 14 (28%) and severe 9 (18%).The majority of patients had MELD score 8-15 (46%), followed by 15-25 (42%) and >25 (12%).The MELD score shows significant positive correlation with outcome (P<0.001). Conclusion: Presence of refractive channels on USG is diagnostic of PHT due to cirrhosis. MELD score is good clinical course to predict severity of liver disease and is also good prognostic marker in predicting encephalopathy and mortality.

Key Word: Liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, ultrasonography, MELD score, outcome