Noninvasive Diagnostic Platform for Liver Fibrosis and Portal Hypertension

As the hemodynamics of liver vessels depend on the liver tissue mechanics, we hypothesize that the hemodynamics measurements of the liver are strongly correlated with the stages of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension, and can therefore serve as an alternative means of diagnosis. We have developed a physics-based mathematical model that incorporates our biological understanding of fibrosis development. The model quantitatively predicts changes of liver tissue stiffness and blood flow dynamics as a function of fibrosis stage. Preliminary data using ultrasound Doppler images and needle biopsy from liver fibrosis patients have suggested the 'prove of principle. We propose further test our hypothesis by collecting and analyzing ultrasound Doppler and biopsy data to confirm the correlation between blood flow dynamics and disease stage from patients with hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension. If tested true, we can expect to use features of ultrasound Doppler as a non-invasive means of diagnosis for fibrosis and portal hypertension.