‘Covid-19’ infection is associated with increased liver stiffness, which is a sign of possible long-term liver damage, according to the results of a new study presented at the Radiological Medicine Society (RSNA) annual meeting.
“Our study is part of emerging evidence that COVID-19 infection can lead to liver damage that persists long after acute illness,” said Ferouzeh Heidari, MD, postdoctoral researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston Express.
Hardening of the liver is a sign of liver damage, such as inflammation or cirrhosis. Fibrosis is the buildup of scar tissue in the liver. Over time, healthy liver tissue decreases and the liver is no longer able to function properly. And progressive fibrosis can lead to liver cancer and liver failure.
In the recent study, researchers compared the liver stiffness of patients with a history of ‘Covid-19’ infection with two control groups.
Statistical analysis of the elastography imaging results showed that “Covid-19” patients had higher liver stiffness than control patients.
Unexpectedly, the pre-pandemic group also had a higher mean hardness (7.01) than the pandemic control group. The reason for this finding is not yet understood, but it is believed to be a consequence of the changing models of reference during the epidemic. Additionally, it was noted that patients who were referred for elastography before the pandemic were older than patients who were referred after the pandemic started.
“We do not yet know whether the elevated liver stiffness seen after COVID-19 infection will lead to adverse patient outcomes. We are currently investigating whether the severity of acute symptoms associated with COVID-19 is predictive of the severity of long-term liver injury. term,” said Dr. Heidari. “.
