The fibroscan is a non-invasive technique that detects possible liver diseases with ultrasound, this vitural liver biopsy can prevent complications such as cirrhosis, statosis, among others.
The FibroScan is a device which, by means of sound waves (ultrasound), measures the hardness and elasticity of the liver and, depending on its state (more or less hard or more or less elastic), allows the diagnosis of diseases such as fibrosis, steatosis and cirrhosis of the liver.
This technique is also known as “virtual liver biopsy”, because it avoids performing a targeted and invasive liver biopsy on the patient, which involves multiple side effects (such as pain and bleeding).
Operation and interpretation of results
The technique consists of sending the mechanical pulse, which initiates an ultrasound wave that is transmitted through the liver organ. The harder the liver tissue, the faster the wave diffuses and, therefore, the greater the tissue damage. The result is expressed by an index in kilopascals (Kpa) immediately. There are four possible phases of the patient’s condition:
1. if the value is less than 6-7 kPa, there is little risk of fibrosis progression and it is advisable not to start treatment.
2. Between the values of 7 to 9.4 kPa, indicates moderate fibrosis. It is advisable to perform periodic fibroscan tests in order to evaluate progression and the need for treatment.
3. If the range is between 9.5 and 12 kPa, fibrosis is advanced and antiviral treatment is necessary or advisable.
4. If the result exceeds 12-14 kPa, it means that the fibrosis is severe and there is a high risk of cirrhosis, so the therapy is urgent.
Before and after the test
It should be performed on an empty stomach and is not recommended for pregnant women, patients suffering from ascites or those who have implantable medical devices.
On the other hand, FibroScan is painless and free of complications. The patient is only in the doctor’s office for about fifteen minutes and the test does not require hospitalization and there are no abrasive or invasive side effects.
This test is performed in the Hepatology and Gastroenterology Unit of Hospital Quirón Teknon in Barcelona (Drs. Fernando Muñoz Agel and Modesto Varas Lorenzo, office 34).