Noninvasive Diagnostic Methods in Liver Cirrhosis

Abstract

Liver cirrhosis is a condition characterized by the gradual development of liver fibrosis and the disruption of hepatic lobules. Patients who have decompensated cirrhosis face a significant risk of severe complications, including ascites, esophageal varices, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial to preventing further liver damage, reducing morbidity and mortality associated with complications, and improving the prognosis. Additionally, timely diagnosis and accurate assessment of liver cirrhosis are critical for effective management and treatment. While liver biopsy has long been considered the gold standard for diagnosing cirrhosis, it has well-known limitations, including invasiveness, sampling error, and high expense. These limitations have restricted its widespread use in clinical practice. As a result, noninvasive diagnostic methods for liver cirrhosis have been proposed as alternatives to liver biopsy. Current noninvasive methods encompass liver and spleen stiffness measurements, ultrasound, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as serum biomarkers. Additionally, emerging technologies, such as omics, have led to the identification of novel biomarkers. However, the diagnostic performances of these methods vary among studies. Further, research and standardization of these methods are necessary to enhance their diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility in the evaluation of liver cirrhosis.