[Clinical evaluation of the measurement of hepatosplenic volume ratio by computed tomography]

Abstract

The liver and spleen volume ratio (S/L ratio) was estimated with X-ray computed tomography. Clinical usefulness of S/L ratio was evaluated by comparison with other liver functions (retention rate of ICG, total bilirubin, serum albumin and cholinesterase activity) in 42 hepatocellular carcinoma patients with liver cirrhosis. The correlation between S/L ratio and retention rate of ICG, total bilirubin, serum albumin or cholinesterase activity was good (r = 0.870, r = 0.719, r = -0.691, or r = -0.606, respectively p less than 0.001). Positive correlation was observed between S/L ratio and retention rate of ICG or total bilirubin. Negative correlation was observed between S/L ratio and serum albumin or cholinesterase activity. In conclusion, the measurement of S/L ratio on computed tomography was considered to be useful as an evaluation for the degree of severity in liver cirrhosis by considering both effective hepatic blood flow and portal hypertension.