Transient elastography

Transient Elastography is a non-invasive method of assessing liver stiffness, which is indicative of certain liver conditions such as fibrosis and cirrhosis. It was first introduced in 2003 by the French company Echosens through their product, the FibroScan.

Overview

Transient elastography uses ultrasound technology to measure the speed of a shear wave that is propagated through the liver. The speed of this wave is directly related to the stiffness of the liver tissue: the faster the wave, the stiffer the tissue. This stiffness can be used to identify and quantify liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Procedure

The procedure for transient elastography is simple and quick, typically taking less than 10 minutes. The patient lies on their back with their right arm raised behind their head. The operator applies a water-based gel to the skin and places the probe in an intercostal space at the level of the right lobe of the liver. The operator then presses a button to start the measurement. The machine generates a vibration, which creates a wave in the liver tissue. The speed of this wave is measured and used to calculate the stiffness of the liver.

Clinical Use

Transient elastography is primarily used to assess liver stiffness in patients with chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and alcoholic liver disease. It can also be used to monitor the progression of these diseases and the effectiveness of their treatment. However, it is not effective in patients with acute hepatitis, as inflammation and congestion can increase liver stiffness and lead to false positive results.

Limitations

While transient elastography is a valuable tool for assessing liver stiffness, it has some limitations. It is less accurate in obese patients and those with ascites, as the increased distance between the probe and the liver can affect the measurement. It is also less accurate in patients with high levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a liver enzyme that can indicate liver damage.

See Also

• Liver fibrosis
• Liver cirrhosis
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Alcoholic liver disease

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