SVR leads to decreased spleen size in patients with HCV, cirrhosis

Researchers observed a decrease in spleen size over time after patients with hepatitis C virus infection and cirrhosis achieved successful sustained virologic response, according to findings presented at the Society of Hospital Medicine Annual Meeting.

“Although current research shows there is liver remodeling with regression of fibrosis [or] cirrhosis after HCV treatment, it is unclear if improvements in the features of cirrhosis are seen on radiologic imaging,” Omar Jilani, MD, of Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, and colleagues wrote. “We [hypothesized] that some features on imaging should also improve including, potentially, resolution of nodularity, splenomegaly, collateral vessels and disproportionate sizes of lobes.”

The researchers conducted a retrospective review examining radiology reports of 26 patients with HCV and cirrhosis who achieved SVR while on previous treatment for HCV. Images from ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging before and after SVR was achieved were evaluated and compared. The mean follow-up imaging after SVR ranged from 6 months to 1 year, according to the abstract.

Patients who reached SVR had a mean decrease in spleen size of 0.8 cm (range 0.3-1.3 cm) 16 months after SVR. The researchers wrote that there was “no objective measurement of the change in size of various lobes in serial imaging.”

Other features signifying cirrhosis, such as nodularity, did not change over time.

“Attainment of SVR in HCV cirrhotic patients is associated with decreased spleen size,” the researchers concluded. “Improvements in nodularity or other radiologic signs of cirrhosis and portal hypertension are not yet evident.” – by Melinda Stevens

Reference:

Jilani O, et al. Abstract #76. Presented at: Society of Hospital Medicine Annual Meeting; March 6-9, 2016; San Diego.

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