Pattern of abnormal ultrasonographic findings in patients with clinical suspicion of chronic liver disease in Sokoto and its environs

ObjectiveTo analyse the various abnormal transabdominal ultrasound findings in patients with clinical suspicion of chronic liver disease in our environment with a view of comparing our findings with other existing literatures.MethodsA total of 61 consecutive patients with clinical signs and symptoms of chronic liver disease attending medical outpatient clinic at the Department of Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Teaching Hospital Sokoto and Federal Medical Centre Birnin Kebbi were scanned at Radiology Departments for any abnormal intra-abdominal findings from May 2011 to April 2012. All the patients were scanned with Apogee 800 plus (Japan 2002) and Concept D (Dynamic Imaging Scotland) Ultrasound scanners with a variable frequency probes at 5–12 MHz.ResultsA total of 61 abdominal ultrasounds were performed during this study period. All the cases met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was (46.0±12.6) years (ranged 50 years). The mean liver size was (13.25±1.48) cm (ranged 11 cm) and (14.00±0.77) cm (ranged 0.77 cm) for right and left lobe respectively. The mean spleen size was (15.90±1.22) cm (ranged 6 cm). The sex distribution was males 43 (70.49%) and females 18 (29.5%). Of the 61 cases included, the indication for the abdominal ultrasonography were hepatitis 1 (1.6%), liver cirrhosis 20 (50.82%), obstructive jaundice 2 (3.28%), chronic liver disease 25 (40.98%) and chronic abdominal swelling 2 (3.2%).ConclusionsIn conclusion, our study has demonstrated various abnormal transabdominal ultrasound findings in patients suspected with chronic liver disease in our locality. Ultrasound is useful in the diagnosis of chronic liver disease in daily clinical practice. However, the sensitivity can be improved if a high frequency probe is used and done by experienced and dedicated operators. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard especially when patients are clinically asymptomatic.