Ultrasonography Detection of Liver Lesions: A Pilot Comparison Study between Radiologists and Sonographers
Sutthirak Tangruangkiat MSc1,2, Monchai Phonlakrai MSc1,2, Napat Ritlumlert MSc1,2, Surachate Siripongsakun MD1,2, Sirachat Vidhyarkorn MD1, Wintra Thitisitthikorn BSc1
Affiliation : 1 Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Department, Chulabhorn Hospital, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand 2 Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Liver ultrasonography in chronic hepatitis-B patients can help detect liver cancer lesions in initial stage, leading
to early diagnosis and opportunity for cure for patients. In Thailand, ultrasonography examinations are mostly performed by
radiologists. Limited numbers of cases can thus be performed in the rural areas due to the shortage of radiologists to perform
this examination.
Objective : To compare the detection rate of liver lesions by ultrasonography between radiologists and sonographers.
Materials and Methods : This research was a pilot study of 30 chronic hepatitis-B patients who were recruited into the liver
cancer screening project and underwent abdominal computed tomography [CT] or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]. The
ultrasonography results from radiologists and sonographers were compared to results from CT or MRI.
Results : The result of liver lesion detection by radiologists and radiographers was 26 (81.25%) and 29 (91%) from 32 lesions,
respectively. There are 7 lesions mismatched with CT/MRI due to limitation of lesion detection by ultrasonography. The rate
of liver lesion detection by ultrasonography was over 80% in both radiologists and sonographers.
Conclusion : Radiologists and sonographers could comparably detect liver lesions. Trained radiographers can help radiologists
perform liver cancer screening by ultrasonography, particularly in areas facing with radiologist shortage.
Keywords : Ultrasound, Radiologist, Sonographer, Computed tomography, Magnetic resonance imaging
