Reliability and applicability of two-dimensional shear-wave elastography for the evaluation of liver stiffness.

Background/aim: Two-dimensional shear-wave elastography (2D-SWE) is a new elastographic technique that is increasingly being used across several indications. We assessed the reliability and applicability of 2D-SWE in patients with various chronic liver diseases and attempted to identify parameters potentially affecting liver stiffness.

Methods: We included all patients with chronic liver disease who underwent 2D-SWE examination over a 15-month period.

Severe cytomegalovirus infection in apparently immunocompetent patients: a systematic review.

Background: The morbidity and mortality associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompromised patients (especially in HIV-infected patients and transplant recipients), as well as with congenital CMV infection are well known. In contrast, relatively little attention has been paid to the morbidity and mortality that CMV infection may cause in immunocompetent patients.

Methods: We reviewed the evidence associated with severe manifestations of CMV infection in apparently immunocompetent patients and the potential role of antiviral treatment for these infections.