Objective: To investigate the predictive role of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) plus D-dimer levels in the prognosis of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
Methods: CEUS was applied to assess lymph nodes in 186 patients with confirmed DLBCL. The clinical data and laboratory indicators were collected from these patients, and a retrospective analysis was conducted on the relationship between the quantitative parameters of CEUS (TTP, PI, AUC, WOT), D-dimer levels, and clinical features of the DLBCL patients. The Cox regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses for the risk factors associated with the prognosis.
Results: There was an increase of D-dimer levels in advanced DLBCL patients, who were combined with a significant reduction in TTP and WOT and a significant increase in PI and AUC. D-dimer levels and quantitative parameters of CEUS were strongly correlated with the Ann Arbor, B symptoms, International Prognostic Index (IPI), LDH and CRP levels. The results of the Cox regression model indicated that D-dimer levels, TTP and PI, the quantitative parameters of CEUS, were important prognostic factors for DLBCL.
Conclusion: CEUS results and D-dimer levels can be used as independent prognostic factors for DLBCL.
Keywords: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, D-dimer, prognosis