Sonographic Evaluation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Benign Liver Lesions in Patients with Hepatitis B

Authors

Qamrosh Akhtar Student, MS Allied Health Science Superior University Lahore Author
Hafiz Shahzad Muzamil Associate Professor, Faculty of Allied Health Science, Superior University Lahore Author
Anam Mirza Student, MS Allied Health Science Superior University Lahore Author
Ammara Riaz Student, MS Allied Health Science Superior University Lahore Author
Amna Salman Student, BSMIT FAHS UMT, Lahore Author
M Zain Ul Abidin Consultant Sonologist, Neurology Department SIMS Author

Hepatitis B, Ultrasonography, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Liver lesions, Liver echotexture

Background: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant risk factor for liver cirrhosis and

hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Early detection and differentiation between malignant and benign liver

lesions are crucial for timely management. Ultrasonography (USG) serves as a valuable non-invasive tool

for liver lesion evaluation, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the sonographic appearance of HCC and benign liver lesions in

patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, over a period of four months.

A total of 162 adult patients with diagnosed hepatitis B undergoing abdominal ultrasound were included

using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected on demographic details, liver lesion

characteristics, liver margins, echotexture, ascites, and lesion location. Analysis was performed using

SPSS version 24.

Results: Among 162 patients, 129 (79.6%) were male and 33 (20.4%) females. Fever was reported in 94

(58%), and jaundice in 94 (58%) patients. Liver size was shrunken in 64 (39.5%), normal in 70 (43.2%),

and enlarged in 28 (17.3%). Liver echotexture was coarse in 68 (42%), altered in 67 (41.4%), and

homogeneous in 27 (16.7%). Ascites was present in 75 (46.3%) patients. HCC was diagnosed in 73

(38.8%), hepatic cysts in 63 (45%), and focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in 26 (16%).

Conclusion: Sonographic evaluation effectively identified a range of liver pathologies in hepatitis B

patients, with HCC being prevalent, especially in males and patients with cirrhotic features. Regular

ultrasound surveillance in high-risk populations can facilitate early diagnosis and timely intervention.