Impact of Combined Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Diagnosis of Leg/Thigh Muscular Injuries in Hepatic Patients

Abstract

Aim of the Study: To stand on the role of initial musculoskeletal ultrasonography of the leg & further scheduled MRI in the diagnosis & management of these variable muscle injuries and its impact on changing hepatic patients' clinical decision. Methods: This is a case control study that was conducted on 30 patients attended to Hepatology/Gastroenterology & Radiology outpatient clinics at the National Liver Institute hospital for treatment of liver diseases and concomitant leg/thigh muscular injurious problems and 30 healthy controls with muscular lower limb injuries and free of hepatic diseases. Results: Muscular injuries were detected in 57.1% (N = 20) of the participants, while 42.9% (N = 15) exhibited no evidence of muscular injury. Tendinous tear or avulsion was identified in 28.6% (N = 10) of cases, with 71.4% (N = 25) showing no such tendinous abnormalities. Cartilaginous injuries were observed in 14.3% (N = 5) of individuals, while 85.7% (N = 30) had no cartilaginous injuries. Conclusion: Our study investigating the combined use of ultrasonography and MRI in hepatic patients with musculoskeletal injuries provides a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationships between liver diseases, associated conditions, and diagnostic modalities. Noteworthy associations between specific musculoskeletal findings and hepatic diagnoses reveal potential clinical implications, particularly in the context of liver cirrhosis.