What is a fibroscan?

FibroScan: A Non-Invasive Liver Assessment

FibroScan, also known as transient elastography, is a non-invasive method used to assess the stiffness of your liver. It's a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of various liver diseases. It's a quick and painless alternative to a liver biopsy, offering immediate results.

How it Works:

FibroScan uses a specialized probe placed on your skin over your liver. The probe emits a painless, low-frequency sound wave (similar to ultrasound) that travels through the liver tissue. It then measures the speed of this wave, which is directly related to the stiffness of the liver. The stiffer the liver, the faster the wave travels. The measurement is typically given in kilopascals (kPa).

What it Measures:

• Liver Stiffness: This is the primary measurement. Elevated liver stiffness often indicates the presence of fibrosis or scarring in the liver. This can be caused by conditions like:

  • Chronic Hepatitis (B or C)
  • Alcoholic Liver Disease
  • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
  • Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)
  • Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)

• Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP): Some FibroScan devices also measure CAP, which assesses the amount of fat in the liver (steatosis). This is particularly useful in evaluating NAFLD.

Preparation:

Generally, minimal preparation is required. You'll typically be asked to fast for at least 2-4 hours before the procedure. This helps to ensure accurate results.

The Procedure:

The procedure itself is quick, typically taking only 5-10 minutes. You'll lie on your back with your right arm raised above your head. The technician will apply a gel to your skin and place the probe on your right side, between your ribs. You may feel a slight vibration or tapping sensation.

Benefits:

• Non-invasive and painless
• Quick and easy to perform
• Provides immediate results
• Helps avoid the need for a Liver Biopsy in some cases
• Can be repeated over time to monitor disease progression or response to treatment

Limitations:

• Accuracy can be affected by factors like obesity, ascites (fluid in the abdomen), and the presence of narrow intercostal spaces (space between ribs).
• May not be accurate in individuals with certain medical conditions.
• Doesn't provide as much detailed information as a Liver Biopsy

Interpretation of Results:

The results of the FibroScan are interpreted by your doctor in conjunction with other clinical information, such as blood tests and your medical history. The kPa value is used to estimate the stage of liver fibrosis, ranging from F0 (no fibrosis) to F4 (cirrhosis). CAP scores are used to determine the presence and severity of steatosis.