Characterization of Ascitis using Echo Texture

Abstract

Objectives: The Purpose of this study is to characterize the asites fluid using echo texture and to compare the findings with laboratory results in order to predict the asctis type by imaging methods for ascitic patients. Methods: 53 Patients who underwent Sonography for ascitis between February 2012 and January 2013 were included in the study.The study was implemented in Wad - Medani Military Hospital, Alia Specialist Hospital - Wad-Madani. Wad-medani Teaching Hospital, National Cancer Institute - Wad-Madani and Omdurman Military Hospital .Gray scale Sonography of the abdomen was performed using Aloka SSD- 500 and Honda SSD-500 with frequency (3.5 MHz) convex probe. The scanning was done on longitudinal and transverse scan for abdomen and pelvis. The patients ascitis echo texture had been evaluated and the findings were correlated with Ascitis Paracentesis results, including total protein values, total albumin, Serum Ascitis Albumin Gradient (SAAG),ascitis type , liver and spleen texture as well as the Ultrasound findings. Results: During this period, 53 patients (31 males, 22 females) underwent Sonography for ascitis,5(9.4%)had abdomen tuberculosis,1(1.9%)acute renal failure,2(3.8%)Ca breast,1(1.9%)Ca prostate,1(1.9%) Ca colon, 2(3.8%) Ca ovaries, 3(5.7%) Congestive heart disease, 6(11.3%) Chronic renal failure,1(1.9%)Cystadenocarcinoma, 2(3.8%) hepato cellular carcinoma,1(1.9%)Hepatitis, 23(43.4%) Liver Cirrhosis,1(1.9%) lymphoma,1(1.9%)portal hypertension, 2(3.8%)Pelvis inflammatory diseases ,1(1.9%) Urinary bladder Schistosomasis. The correlation between the Ascitis Echo Texture with total protein values, total albumin, SAAG, ascitis type, ultrasound findings were found to be significant at p value 0.05.liver echo texture has significant relation with Ascitis Echo Texture and laboratory results, but no impact of the spleen texture in the ascites character was noted. Conclusion: Ultrasound is valuable in the investigation of ascetic patients. It is recommended to replace other methods of laboratory investigation as it can predict the ascitis type from its echo texture, as well as ruling the underlying causes.