FibroScan® in New Orleans, LA
What is FibroScan?
FibroScan is an ultrasound technology utilized by the GI providers at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to noninvasively inspect the liver. Also referred to as transient elastography, the scan utilizes a specialized ultrasound machine to assess the state of fibrosis and steatosis in the liver. Fibrosis happens when the liver substitutes sound tissue with scar tissue in an attempt to heal itself from a separate condition. Hepatic steatosis is also referred to as fatty change and occurs when fat accumulates inside the liver cells.
Using FibroScan, your New Orleans, LA GI specialist may examine the state and function of your liver, and make a diagnosis and treatment plan without aggressively probing the body to examine the liver. If you have a liver issue, request an appointment with a Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates location near you to learn if you may benefit from FibroScan technology.
Who is a candidate for FibroScan testing?
FibroScan testing could be recommended for individuals who have early to progressive liver disease or other conditions. These might encompass:
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Certain types of hepatitis
- Hemochromatosis
- Different kinds of chronic liver disease
- Cirrhosis of the liver (extreme scarring)
- Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
- NASH or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- Insulin resistance syndrome (syndrome X)
How is FibroScan performed?
A FibroScan examination is typically a convenient method that is accomplished within 10 – 15 minutes. A detector will be placed on your skin on top of your liver. This specific sensor transmits sound waves via your liver to measure the speed at which sound travels through the organ. The FibroScan system then generates data that your Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates provider will use to establish the total hardness (fibrosis) currently inside your liver.
How do you read and interpret FibroScan results?
FibroScan findings are given according to fatty liver disease (steatosis) grade of severity and fibrosis score. The subsequent charts contain generic knowledge regarding what the outcome of the scan may show. You may talk over your findings in detail with your Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates GI provider after your FibroScan.
Steatosis grade of severity: The steatosis findings describe the level of steatosis in the liver and are provided through a CAP score (controlled attenuation parameter), which is evaluated in decibels per meter (dB/m). The range is from 100 – 400 decibels per meter, and diverse ranges contribute to various fatty liver grades.
Fibrosis score: The fibrosis result is an estimation of the stiffness of the liver and depicts the level of scarring that the liver has experienced. Your gastrointestinal provider will utilize your FibroScan result combined with your medical history to ascertain your fibrosis score. Various liver conditions and diseases can impact the fibrosis score.
- F0 to F1: No scarring/light scarring
- F2: Moderate scarring
- F3: Extreme scarring
- F4: Extremely progressive scarring (cirrhosis)
Specialized care for liver conditions
Since FibroScan uses ultrasound technology, there is little to no risk associated with the procedure. FibroScan is a noninvasive imaging process and thus is typically pleasant. It allows for a wide-ranging evaluation of the complete liver rather than viewing only a minor section that occurs in a liver biopsy. Moreover, no sedation is needed for this procedure, it is relatively inexpensive, quickly accomplished, and the results are instantaneous.
Expert treatment for liver conditions
FibroScan® FAQs
Is there any necessary prepare for my FibroScan exam?
You won’t be allowed to eat or drink anything at all before your FibroScan exam, although it is okay to continue to take any medications you normally take. We recommend you wear loose clothing to make it uncomplicated for your provider to reach the right side of your ribcage. We will discuss these details with you in advance to make sure you know exactly what to expect with a FibroScan test.
What liver diseases will FibroScan measure?
The FibroScan procedure can detect and measure the progression of several disease of the liver, including:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Hepatitis B or C
- Hemochromatosis
What is the difference between an ultrasound and the FibroScan?
The FibroScan test is a variation of ultrasound and uses the same tech a normal ultrasound uses, known as transient elastography. Although they are very similar, FibroScan was developed to measure how stiff the liver is and is perceptibly more accurate in finding issues within the liver than a simple ultrasound.
Is FibroScan better compared to a liver biopsy?
The FibroScan is a nonsurgical alternative to a liver biopsy. Even so, there may be situations when a biopsy of the liver could be ideal. You may fall into this category if you have a defibrillator or pacemaker, are pregnant, or have fluid in the abdomen. It has also been determined that results could become inaccurate in people who are considered obese. Keeping all of this in mind, our Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates team will work with you to help determine if this test or a standard liver biopsy is better for your needs.
