Comparative evaluation of noncontrast computed tomography (CT) histogram analysis, FibroScan, and serum markers for liver fibrosis assessment in chronic hepatitis B patients.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between noncontrast computed tomography (CT) histogram analysis and biopsy-based fibrosis staging, FibroScan, and serum-based scoring systems in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In 40 patients with histopathologically staged fibrosis, histogram parameters derived from noncontrast CT images were compared with FibroScan measurements and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI)/Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scores. Correlation analyses were performed to assess the relationships among these parameters.

RESULTS

Among the histogram features, Size%L, standard deviation, and variance showed significant positive correlations with the Ishak score. Size%L was also positively correlated with APRI and FIB-4. FibroScan values demonstrated the strongest correlation with histopathological fibrosis staging.

CONCLUSION

CT histogram analysis may provide complementary quantitative information related to the structural characteristics of liver fibrosis and showed significant associations with biopsy and other noninvasive assessment methods. Rather than replacing biopsy or elastography, this technique may serve as a potential adjunctive imaging marker in patients undergoing abdominal CT for routine clinical indications.