FibroScan® in Connecticut
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Find a ProviderWhat is FibroScan?
FibroScan is a technology used by Connecticut GI providers to noninvasively review the liver. Also referred to as transient elastography, the scan uses specialized ultrasound technology to measure the occurrence of fibrosis and steatosis in the liver. Fibrosis occurs when the liver replaces sound tissue with scar tissue to heal itself from some other condition. Hepatic steatosis is also called fatty liver disease and arises when fat collects in the liver cells.
Using FibroScan, your GI specialist has the ability to assess the health and working condition of your liver and provide a diagnosis and medical plan without intrusively entering the body to examine the liver. If you are suffering from a liver condition, request an appointment at Connecticut GI to see if you can benefit from FibroScan technology.
Who is a candidate for FibroScan?
FibroScan testing may be recommended for individuals who are anywhere between the initial and progressive stages of liver disease or other conditions. These might include:
- Cirrhosis of the liver (severe scarring)
- Insulin resistance syndrome (syndrome X)
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Hemochromatosis
- Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
- Particular types of hepatitis
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease
- different types of chronic liver disease (CLD)
How is FibroScan performed?
A FibroScan exam in Connecticut is usually a simple procedure that is performed within 10 – 15 minutes. A detector will be placed on your skin right next to your liver. This detector radiates sound waves via your liver to determine the speed at which sound moves through the organ. The FibroScan system then produces a sequence of results that your Connecticut GI gastroenterologists will take advantage of to determine the level of fibrosis existing inside your hepatic system (liver).
How do you read and interpret FibroScan results?
FibroScan findings are provided according to steatosis (fatty liver disease) grade and fibrosis score. The subsequent charts consist of common information as to what the outcome of the scan might indicate. You can discuss your results in detail with your Connecticut GI gastrointestinal provider after your FibroScan test.
Steatosis grade: The steatosis result explains the level of fatty change in the liver and is provided through a controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score, which is evaluated in dB/m (decibels per meter). The range is from 100 to 400 decibels per meter, and assorted ranges result in various steatosis grades.
|
CAP Score (dB/m) |
Steatosis Grade |
Amount of Liver With Fatty Change |
|
238 – 260 |
S1 |
11% – 33% |
|
260 – 290 |
S2 |
34% – 66% |
|
290 + |
S3 |
67% + |
Fibrosis score: The fibrosis end result is a measurement of the hardening of the liver and symbolizes the layer of scarring that the liver has experienced. Your GI specialists will use your FibroScan findings and your medical history to determine your fibrosis value. Various liver diseases and diseases can change the fibrosis score.
- F0 to F1: No scarring/light scarring
- F2: Moderate scarring
- F3: Extreme scarring
- F4: Advanced scarring (cirrhosis)
What are the benefits of FibroScan?
Because FibroScan uses ultrasound technology, there is little to no threat associated with the method. FibroScan is a noninvasive imaging technique and, consequently, is generally painless. It allows for an extensive check of the whole liver, whereas a biopsy only allows for an examination of a small portion of the liver. No sedation is needed for the procedure, it is relatively low-cost, quickly performed, and the results are immediate.
Expert care for liver conditions
As one of the largest organs in the body, your liver performs duties essential for your health and wellness. Fibrosis and steatosis could impact your liver and body in various ways and can lead to severe conditions without proper care. To learn more about FibroScan in Connecticut or to request an appointment with a liver specialist close to you, please get in touch with your closest Connecticut GI location today.
FibroScan® FAQs
Should I prepare for my FibroScan test?
You will not want to drink or eat anything except small sips of water in the three hours leading up to your FibroScan test. It is okay to still take any medications you normally take. We recommend you dress in loose clothes to make it easier for your provider to reach the right side of your ribcage. We will go over all preperation details with you prior to your visit so you understand what you should expect with a FibroScan test.
What liver conditions will FibroScan track?
Your FibroScan test can detect and record the progress of a range of liver conditions, including:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Alcoholic liver disease
- NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)
- Hepatitis B or C
- Hemochromatosis
Is there a difference between an ultrasound and Fibroscan?
FibroScan is a type of ultrasound that uses the exact same technology as a normal ultrasound (transient elastography). While the two are very similar, FibroScan was invented especially to assess how stiff the liver is and, therefore, is much more accurate in discovering issues in the liver than an ultrasound.
Is FibroScan more advanced than a liver biopsy?
FibroScan is a nonsurgical alternative to a liver biopsy. It should be noted, though, that there are sometimes circumstances where a biopsy of the liver may be the better choice. This could include certain situations like a patient who has a a defibrillator or pacemaker, who is pregnant, or who has fluid in the abdomen. It has also been determined that results could be incorrect in individuals who are considered morbidly obese. Keeping all of this in mind, our Connecticut GI doctors will work with you to determine if this test or a standard liver biopsy is better for you.
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