B-Mode ultrasound patterns and findings of the liver among hepatitis B and C patients: a cross-sectional study in a Rwandan tertiary hospital

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections remain major global health challenges, with Rwanda reporting prevalence rates of 2.1% and 6.7%, respectively. Ultrasonography is crucial in assessing chronic viral hepatitis; however, data on sonographic liver patterns among HBV and HCV patients in Rwanda are limited. ObjectivesTo identify B-mode ultrasound liver patterns among hepatitis B and C patients and assess their association with sociodemographic factors. MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 patients with viral hepatitis (120 HBV, 120 HCV). B-mode ultrasound findings were analyzed for associations with demographic variables. ResultsAmong 240 participants (mean age 52.7 {+/-} 14.9 years; 57.1% male), the most frequent liver findings were patterns of chronic liver alteration suggestive of fibrosis (21.7%), fatty liver (8.8%), suspicious nodules (5.0%) and hepatomegaly (2.9%). Patterns of chronic liver alteration were significantly more common in HCV than HBV (14.2% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.012) and were associated with older age (p < 0.001) and female gender (p = 0.006). ConclusionUltrasound revealed distinct liver morphological changes among hepatitis B and C patients, more frequent in HCV, older participants, and females, suggesting differences in infection duration or healthcare-seeking behavior. Ultrasound remains a practical tool for identifying and monitoring liver changes in resource-limited settings. ContributionThis study provides real-world data on sonographic liver patterns in hepatitis B and C, reinforcing ultrasounds value as an accessible diagnostic tool in African radiology practice