Duplex Color Doppler Measurement of Hepatic Artery Resistance Index in Evaluation of Severity of Hepatic Steatosis

Abstract

Aims: The present study aims to highlight the duplex color doppler measurement of hepatic artery resistance Index in Evaluation of Severity of Hepatic Steatosis. Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate the correlation between the severity of fatty liver and the hepatic artery resistance index. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Radiology and Imaging Department, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) among 172 respondents. Purposive sampling technique was applied to select respondents who referred to Radiology and Imaging Department of BIRDEM for ultrasonogram of the upper abdomen and showed fatty infiltration. Fatty infiltration of liver was graded sonographically. The resistance index calculated for each patient was the mean of 3 measurements. Mean resistance index of the hepatic artery was then calculated for each group. Results: In case of grade 1 (G1) hepato-steatosis patient’s Resistance index (RI) ranges from 0.76-0.85 (mean: 0.78 ± 0.02), grade 2 (G2) hepato-steatosis patient’s Resistance index (RI) ranges from 0.72-0.75 (mean: 0.74 ± 0.01) and grade 3 (G3) hepato-steatosis patient’s Resistance index (RI) ranges from 0.61-0.71 (mean: 0.68 ± 0.03). By hepatic steatosis we mean the abnormal accumulation of fat within the hepatocytes. It is benign as well as reversible condition and most patients are asymptomatic. And usually, if untreated it may progress to steatohepatitis and eventually to cirrhosis. Conclusion: Hepatic artery resistance index (RI) decreases as the severity of diffuse fatty infiltration increases.