Duplex Doppler ultrasonography and elastography of focal hepatic lesions in experimental model of non alcoholic steatohepatitis (Sprague-Dawley rats)

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fifth most common cancer and is a recognized complication of advanced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Early detection of focal hepatic lesions is a challenge in clinical routine and becomes even greater in the presence of a diffuse parenchymal disease. Ultrasound is still the first choice for the screening of these diseases. Elastography with ultrasonography has become a promissing method of diagnostic to differentiate benign and malignant lesions in soft tissues. Using a recent experimental model of non alcoholic steatohepatitis, this research aims to: follow the development of hepatic steatosis, regenerative nodules until hepatocellular carcinoma by B-mode ultrasonography, Doppler and elastography in order to distinguish malignancy of the nodules; and to evaluate the diagnostic performance of of these methods for early detection of malignant hepatic nodules comparing with histology results. Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats will be used, divided in two goups (control and experimental). Animals will be weekly underwent to ultrasonography until nodule detection with suggestive malignancy. After, sacrifice and assessment by microscopy will be made.