Department of Diagnostic Radiology, College of Medicine, Korea University.
Published online: January 1, 2001.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We evaluated the usefulness of transverse diameter of segment 4 on Ultrasound (US) as an index for diagnosis of liver cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 138 patients with documented liver cirrhosis underwent US. The transverse diameter of segment 4 was measured as the distance between the medial wall of the GB and major fissure or U point of left portal vein by subcostal scan. The transverse diameter of segment 4 was measured on US in 166 control subjects without liver cirrhosis as well. RESULTS: The mean transverse diameter of segment 4 was 25.6 +/- 6.3mm in the patients group and 36.3 +/- 6.2mm in the control group (t-test, p < 0.05). When we used 30mm as cut-off value, the sensitivity and specificity in predicting the presence of liver cirrhosis were 80% and 88%, respectively. And the positive predictive value and the negative predictive value were 86% and 85%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Transverse diameter of segment 4 on US was easy to measure and was a reliable index for volume reduction of segment 4. Measurement of the transverse diameter of segment 4 was helpful in the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis.