Correlation between computed tomography findings and liver function parameters in chronic liver disease

Background: Chronic liver disease (CLD) leads to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver failure. Non-invasive assessment tools are crucial for the early detection and management of these complications of CLD. Objective: To determine the correlation between computed tomography findings and liver function parameters in patients with chronic liver disease. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan from December 2024 to January 2025 after obtaining the Institutional ethical approval (Ref. No. 569 MTI/LRH). Medical records of 276 patients with CLD from 1st October 2023 to 30th September 2024 were reviewed. Data were retrieved from the radiology department and laboratory information systems. Data of adult patients were included if they had undergone a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and liver function tests (LFTs) and hematological tests done within seven days of the CT scan. CT reports were assessed for cirrhosis, ascites, splenomegaly, portal vein thrombosis (PVT), and hepatocellular carcinoma. LFTs and hematological tests included ALT, AST, bilirubin, albumin, INR, and platelet count. Statistical analysis involved Pearson’s correlation and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Cirrhosis was present in 96.7%, ascites in 64.1%, splenomegaly in 47.8%, PVT in 40.2%, and HCC in 73.9%. There was a significant negative correlation (r= –0.81, p<0.001) between cirrhosis and serum albumin levels. The severity of ascites correlated positively (r=0.70, p=0.008) with serum bilirubin levels and INR (r=0.60, p=0.010), indicating worsening of hepatic function. Splenomegaly was significantly correlated with reduced platelet counts (r = –0.75, p< 0.001). Conclusion: CT findings in chronic liver disease showed significant correlations with liver function parameters. Cirrhosis correlated with low albumin, ascites severity with elevated bilirubin and INR, and splenomegaly with thrombocytopenia. These findings highlight the complementary role of CT imaging and biochemical markers in assessing disease severity and hepatic dysfunction.