FibroScan elastography, also known as transient elastography, is a non-invasive imaging technique used to assess liver stiffness, which serves as a surrogate marker for liver fibrosis. It plays a significant role in the management of liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic hepatitis B and C, alcoholic liver disease, and other chronic liver disorders.

Indications for FibroScan Elastography:

1. Liver Fibrosis Assessment: FibroScan is primarily used to evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver conditions. Increased liver stiffness typically correlates with the degree of fibrosis.

2. Monitoring Disease Progression: The technique allows for the monitoring of liver disease progression or regression over time, which is important for treatment decisions and management strategies.

3. Screening and Diagnosis: It can serve as a screening tool for liver disease in at-risk populations, such as those with obesity, diabetes, or history of excessive alcohol consumption.

4. Determining Need for Biopsy: FibroScan can help determine whether a liver biopsy is necessary. Patients with mild fibrosis might be managed without biopsy, whereas those with advanced fibrosis may require further investigation.

Use in Specific Liver Disorders:

1. Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD):
- FibroScan is increasingly recognized in diagnosing and managing MAFLD, particularly in its ability to assess hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.
- It helps stratify patients based on their risk of progression to more severe liver disease, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis.

 2. Chronic Hepatitis B and C:
- In chronic viral hepatitis, FibroScan is valuable for assessing the extent of hepatic fibrosis, which influences treatment decisions regarding antiviral therapy.
- It helps identify patients at risk of developing liver complications, such as hepatocellular carcinoma.

3. Alcoholic Liver Disease:
- FibroScan can evaluate the severity of liver damage in patients with a history of significant alcohol intake.
- It assists in the management of alcohol-related liver diseases by identifying those who may benefit from abstinence or medical intervention.

4. Other Chronic Liver Disorders:

-It is useful in conditions like autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and hemochromatosis to gauge fibrosis severity and monitor treatment response.
-FibroScan can also support clinical decision-making regarding liver transplant eligibility and the need for surveillance for potential liver cancer.

Benefits of FibroScan:
1. Non-invasive: Unlike liver biopsy, it is painless and does not carry the risks associated with invasive procedures.
2. Real-time results: Provides immediate feedback, which is advantageous in clinical settings.
3. Ease of use: Can be performed in outpatient settings with minimal training required.

Limitations:
1.  While FibroScan is highly sensitive for detecting advanced fibrosis, it may have reduced sensitivity in early fibrosis stages.
2. The results can be influenced by factors such as obesity, ascites, or other liver conditions, which may lead to inconclusive measurements.

Overall, FibroScan elastography is an essential tool in the management of liver disease, allowing for effective monitoring and stratification of patients at risk of complications. Its role is especially prominent in conditions like MAFLD, where it can inform treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes. Regular use of FibroScan can significantly streamline care practices in hepatology, ultimately contributing to better management of chronic liver conditions.

To prepare for the FibroScan® Test, you need to make sure there is no food or liquids (including water) for 3 hours prior to the procedure.

For More Information, please call our office 713-794-0700