Comparative evaluation of liver, spleen, and kidney stiffness in HIV-monoinfected pediatric patients via shear wave elastography

Abstract

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the stiffness of the liver, spleen, and kidneys in HIV-monoinfected children via shearwave elastography (SWE).Materials and methods: Twenty-one HIV-monoinfected children and 37 healthy subjects were included in this study. Livers, spleens,and kidneys of the participants were examined via ultrasound and SWE. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presenceof pathologic ultrasonographic findings. Routine laboratory tests were also recorded. Stiffness of these organs was compared betweenpatients and control groups.Results: Liver transaminases, blood urea, and creatinine levels were normal in all subjects. Ultrasonographic examination revealedhepatosplenomegaly (n = 1, 4.7%), grade 1 hepatosteatosis (n = 1, 4.7%), and hepatosteatosis and minimal heterogeneity of the liver (n = 1,4.7%). Ultrasonographic features were normal in 18 patients. Stiffness of the liver, spleen, and kidneys of all HIV-monoinfected childrenwith normal laboratory parameters was significantly higher than in healthy subjects. Eighteen patients with normal ultrasonographicfindings also had higher stiffness values when compared to control subjects.Conclusion: Stiffness of the liver, spleen, and kidneys in HIV-monoinfected children was increased. SWE can be used in the detectionof early parenchymal changes even in patients with normal laboratory parameters and ultrasonographic findings.