Prediction of Incidence of Liver Cancer by Use of Real-time Tissue Elastography

Prediction of Incidence of Liver Cancer or PorTal Hypertension in Patients With Viral Hepatitis by Use of Real-time Tissue Elastography

This is a multi-center cohort study in which the Real-time Tissue Elastography® measurements will predict prospectively the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, the incidence and severity of gastroesophageal varices ascites and decompensated cirrhosis in hepatitis B or C patients.

The aim of this study is to validate the predictive value of Real-time Tissue Elastography® by comparison with serum marker or FibroScan® in chronic hepatitis B or C patients.

Every year and for three years, we performed Real-time Tissue Elastography®, blood sampling, gastrointestinal endoscopy. If in the hospital they can perform FibroScan®, FobroScan® also be performed.

Subjects were also performed ultrasonography (US), computed sonography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evry four or six months.

The time between the Real-time Tissue Elastography®, blood sampling, gastrointestinal endoscopy and FiroScan® must not exceed four weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female and at least 20 years of age
• Chronic hepatitis B or Chronic hepatitis C

Exclusion Criteria:

• Evidence or history of hepatocellular carcinoma
• History of alcohol abuse (alcohol intake > 20g/day)
• Pregnant or lactating patients
• Psychosis