Correlation study of spleen stiffness measured by Fibro Touch with esophageal and gastric varices in patients with liver cirrhosis

Objective To explore the correlation of spleen stiffness measured by Fibro Scan with esophageal and gastric varices in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods Spleen and liver stiffness was measured by Fibro Scan in 72 patients with liver cirrhosis who received gastroscopy in our hospital from December 2012 to December 2013. Categorical data were analyzed by χ2test,and continuous data were analyzed by t test. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between the degree of esophageal varices and spleen stiffness. Results With the increase in the Child- Pugh score in patients,the measurements of liver and spleen stiffness showed a rising trend. Correlation was found between the measurements of spleen and liver stiffness( r = 0. 367,P 0. 05). The differences in measurements of spleen stiffness between patients with Child- Pugh classes A,B,and C were all significant( t = 5. 149,7. 231,and 6. 119,respectively; P =0. 031,0. 025,and 0. 037,respectively). The measurements of spleen and liver stiffness showed marked increases in patients with moderate and severe esophageal and gastric varices. The receiver operating characteristic( ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve,sensitivity,and specificity for spleen stiffness were significantly higher than those for liver stiffness and platelet count / spleen thickness. Conclusion The spleen stiffness measurement by Fibro Scan shows a good correlation with the esophageal and gastric varices in patients with liver cirrhosis. Fibro Scan is safe and noninvasive,and especially useful for those who are not suitable for gastroscopy.