Correlation analysis of collagen proportionate area in Budd-Chiari syndrome: A preliminary clinicopathological study

Background: Collagen proportionate area (CPA) is an important index for assessing the severity of liver fibrosis. Budd-Chiari syndrome can frequently progress to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. CPA might play an important role in the pathological progress of Budd-Chiari syndrome.

Aim: To explore the role of CPA in predicting the outcomes of patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome.

Methods: Nine patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) were included. The median CPA level and correlation of CPA and prognosis of TIPS were determined.

Results: Median CPA was 23.07% (range: 0%-40.20%). Pearson's χ² test demonstrated a significant correlation of CPA with history of gastrointestinal bleeding (Pearson's coefficient: 0.832, P = 0.005), alanine aminotransferase (Pearson's coefficient: -0.694, P = 0.038), and prothrombin time (Pearson's coefficient: 0.68, P = 0.044). Although CPA was not significantly correlated with shunt dysfunction or hepatic encephalopathy after TIPS, the absolute CPA was relatively larger in patients who developed shunt dysfunction or hepatic encephalopathy after TIPS.

Conclusion: This preliminary clinicopathological study found a marginal effect of CPA on the outcomes of Budd-Chiari syndrome patients treated with TIPS.