What is FibroScan?
FibroScan is a technology used by the GI doctors at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC to noninvasively check the liver for signs of problems. Also known as transient elastography, the scan uses a specialized ultrasound technology to measure the occurrence of fibrosis and steatosis in the liver. Fibrosis occurs when the liver substitutes sound tissue with scar tissue to help recover from a separate condition. Hepatic steatosis, also called fatty liver disease, develops when fat builds up within the liver cells.
Using FibroScan, your Hattiesburg, MS gastrointestinal physicians can evaluate the state and working condition of your liver and supply a diagnosis and treatment plan without intrusively probing the body to explore the liver. If you have a liver ailment, reach out to Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC to learn if you might benefit from FibroScan technology.
Who is a good candidate for FibroScan?
FibroScan analysis could be advised for patients who have early- to advanced-stage liver disease or other ailments. These could encompass:
- PBC, or primary biliary cholangitis
- Particular types of hepatitis
- Metabolic syndrome
- NASH, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- Cirrhosis of the liver (severe scarring)
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Hemochromatosis
- Different kinds of chronic liver disease (CLD)
How is FibroScan conducted?
A FibroScan examination in Hattiesburg, MS is a convenient diagnostic procedure that is typically completed within 10 – 15 minutes. A sensor will be put on your skin over your liver. This unique sensor transmits acoustic sound waves through your liver to gauge the speed at which sound moves through the organ. The FibroScan device then yields a set of findings that your Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC GI doctors will review to study the level of hardness (fibrosis) in your heptic system (liver).
How do you understand and explain FibroScan results?
FibroScan findings are measured according to the severity grade of steatosis (fatty liver disease) and fibrosis score. The charts below provide a generalized look at what the results of the examination may indicate. You can talk about the finer points of your results with your Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC gastrointestinal providers following your FibroScan test.
Steatosis grade of severity: The fatty change result explains the level of steatosis in the liver and is delivered via a CAP score (controlled attenuation parameter), which is calculated in dB/m (decibels per meter). This result can run between 100 – 400 decibels per meter, and various ranges result in a different steatosis grade.
Fibrosis score: The fibrosis outcome is an assessment of the hardness of the liver and represents the layer of scarring that the liver has experienced. Your GI specialists will use your FibroScan result as well as your medical history to determine your fibrosis value. Different liver conditions and diseases can change the fibrosis score.
- F0 to F1: No scarring/mild scarring
- F2: Mild scarring
- F3: Extreme scarring
- F4: Extremely developed scarring (cirrhosis)
What are the advantages of FibroScan?
Because FibroScan uses ultrasound technology, there is very little chance of complications involved with the procedure. FibroScan is a noninvasive imaging procedure and comes with little to no discomfort. It also makes possible a wide-ranging evaluation of the full liver instead of the relatively limited assessment allowed by a liver biopsy. On top of that, no sedation is required for the procedure, it is relatively low-priced, can be performed quickly, and the results are instant.
Expert treatment for liver conditions
FibroScan® FAQs
How do I prepare for a FibroScan exam?
You will be instructed not to drink or eat anything except small sips of water in the three hours leading up to your FibroScan procedure. It is okay, however, to continue taking your daily medications as prescribed. Our doctors encourage you to come in wearing looser clothing to make it easier for us to reach the right portion of your ribcage. Our team will review the preparation instructions with you in advance of the visit so you understand what to expect before, during, and after a FibroScan test.
What liver conditions can FibroScan help diagnose and monitor?
FibroScan can help identify and evaluate the progression of several liver conditions, including:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Hemochromatosis
- Hepatitis B and C
Is there a difference between an ultrasound and FibroScan?
FibroScan is a type of ultrasound that uses the same technology as a traditional ultrasound (transient elastography). While they are similar, FibroScan is designed to assess the stiffness of the liver and, therefore, is more accurate in discerning liver conditions.
Is FibroScan more advanced than a liver biopsy?
The FibroScan process is a nonsurgical alternative to a liver biopsy. Still, there may be situations where a liver biopsy is preferred. This includes instances where a patient is pregnant, has a defibrillator or pacemaker, or has fluid in the abdomen. FibroScan results may be inaccurate in those who are considered obese. For these reasons, the gastroenterologists at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC will help determine if a FibroScan or traditional liver biopsy is the right option for you.
