Post-COVID-19 Liver Injury: Comprehensive Imaging With Multiparametric Ultrasound

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to define patterns of liver injury after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection using multiparametric ultrasound (mpUS) in a variable patient population with differing severities of COVID-19. Methods: Ninety patients were enrolled into the study: 56 had SARS-CoV-2 3–9 months prior to enrolment; 34 served as a clinically healthy control group. All patients underwent an mpUS evaluation of the liver (elastography, dispersion and attenuation imaging). Seventy-six patients had abdominal magnetic resonance (MR) and noncontrast enhanced thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans performed at the same day. All patients were screened for biochemical markers of liver injury. Results: Liver elasticity, viscosity, and steatosis values were significantly altered in patients after COVID-19, with particularly higher fibrosis scores compared to the control group (P