Liver Shearwave Elastography, commonly known as FibroScan, is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to assess liver stiffness. It is an advanced imaging technique that measures the elasticity of the liver, which correlates with the degree of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis occurs due to chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and alcohol-related liver damage. Over time, untreated fibrosis can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.
How FibroScan Works
FibroScan utilizes ultrasound-based technology to send shear waves through the liver. The speed at which these waves travel through the liver tissue is measured, and this speed is used to calculate liver stiffness. The process is painless, quick, and does not involve any incisions or injections.
Steps of the Procedure:
Preparation:
The patient lies on their back with their right arm raised above their head.
A water-based gel is applied to the area where the probe will be placed.
Scanning:
The FibroScan probe is placed on the skin over the liver.
The device sends out a series of low-frequency sound waves (shear waves) through the liver tissue.
Measurement:
The speed of the shear waves is measured and converted into liver stiffness values, expressed in kilopascals (kPa).
The procedure typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
Benefits of FibroScan
- Non-Invasive: Unlike a liver biopsy, FibroScan does not require any surgical procedures or needles.
- Quick and Painless: The test is completed in a matter of minutes without causing discomfort.
- Accurate and Reliable: Provides quantitative results that are highly reproducible and correlate well with liver biopsy findings.
- No Downtime: Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the test.
Applications of FibroScan
FibroScan is primarily used to diagnose and monitor:
- liver fibrosis in various chronic liver diseases such as Chronic Hepatitis B and C – Regular monitoring of liver fibrosis helps in assessing the effectiveness of antiviral treatments and the progression of the disease.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): FibroScan helps in evaluating the extent of liver damage and guiding lifestyle and therapeutic interventions.
- Alcohol-Related Liver Disease: Helps in assessing the severity of liver damage due to chronic alcohol consumption and guiding treatment plans.
- Cirrhosis: Monitoring liver stiffness in patients with cirrhosis can help manage complications and plan for interventions like liver transplantation.
Interpreting FibroScan Results
FibroScan results are reported as liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) in kilopascals (kPa). The interpretation of these results varies based on the underlying liver condition. Generally, higher LSM values indicate greater liver stiffness and more severe fibrosis. The following is a simplified interpretation guide:
Normal/Minimal Fibrosis: LSM 12.5 kPa
Limitations of FibroScan
While FibroScan is a powerful tool, it has some limitations:
- Obesity and Ascites: Excessive body fat and fluid in the abdomen can affect the accuracy of the results.
- Acute Inflammation: Acute hepatitis or other temporary liver conditions can cause transient increases in liver stiffness.
- Not a Substitute for Biopsy: Although very useful, FibroScan may not replace liver biopsy in all cases, especially when detailed histological information is required.
Conclusion
Liver Shearwave Elastography (FibroScan) is an invaluable tool in the assessment and management of liver fibrosis. Its non-invasive nature, combined with its accuracy and ease of use, makes it a preferred method for monitoring chronic liver diseases. Regular use of FibroScan can aid in early detection, effective treatment planning, and better management of liver health.
For more information or to schedule a FibroScan, please contact London Private Ultrasound. Visit our website at www.londonsono.com, call us at 02071013377, or email us at info@londonsono.com. Take proactive steps towards maintaining your liver health today.
