Liver Stiffness Measurement by Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) Post Variceal Bleeding Predicts Further Decompensation in Cirrhosis

Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography has been used as a modality for liver stiffness measurement (LSM) in patients with cirrhosis and has been shown to be useful in the prediction of varices in compensated is comparable to transient elastography (TE)-based LSM, with additional benefits in obese patients and those with ascites.3 ARFI-LSM during pregnancy has been shown to predict future decompensations in pregnancy with cirrhosis.4 In a recent work, Sharma et al. have elegantly shown that LSM by TE in patients presenting with acute variceal bleed (AVB) serves as a predictor of future decompensation.5 In this context, we analysed our cohort of patients presenting with index AVB who underwent LSM measurement with ARFI to assess whether post-bleed LSM is predictive of future decompensation.

Automated summary

Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography, a method for liver stiffness measurement, can predict future decompensation in patients with cirrhosis. It is comparable to transient elastography and has additional benefits for obese patients and those with ascites.