Fluorescence spectroscopy as an efficient tool for staging the degree of liver fibrosis: an in vivo comparison with MRI

The study utilizes autofluorescence spectroscopy (AFS) along with multivariate spectral analysis for differentiating various stages of hepatic fibrosis. AFS has recently emerged as an efficient tool for evaluating the variations in different endogenous flurophores. In this study, the potential of AFS for differentiating the stages of liver fibrosis is assessed and compared with the results of enzyme evaluation, histopathology and the most advanced diagnostic tool, MRI. Using a fiber optic probe, the emission profile of the flurophores such as flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), lipofuscin-like lipopigments (lipopigments), porphyrins and the variation in the total hemoglobin concentration are evaluated in vivo on liver fibrosis induced animal models adopting a minimally invasive technique. Significant difference (p < 0.05) in the level of these biomarkers was observed between different stages of liver fibrosis. Normal hepatic tissue could be distinguished from mild and moderate hepatic fibrosis with a sensitivity of 95 to 100% and specificity of 90 to 100% using multivariate spectral analysis. The results are favourable to consider this technique as a potential tool for diagnosing liver fibrosis at an early stage, which is monumental as it otherwise can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.