Liver Elastography

Liver elastography offers an advanced level of diagnostic information for the evaluation of tissue stiffness, using a focused burst of acoustic energy producing quantitative measurements and a color-coded elastogram.
Liver elastography test results are always used in conjunction with other clinical data, laboratory test results, and liver imaging in managing individual patients.

Patients are asked to lie flat on an examination table. A sonographer places the probe between the ribs on the right side of the lower chest wall. A series of painless pulses are then applied to the liver. The results are recorded on the ultrasound equipment and an overall liver stiffness score is generated. This score is then interpreted by a specialized radiologist to predict the likelihood of advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Assess for cirrhosis or liver fibrosis staging.

Liver elastography testing is appropriate for the following types of liver disease:

  • Chronic HCV: B19.20
  • NAFLD: K76.0
  • PBC: K83.09
  • Auto-immune Hepatitis: K75.4
  • Chronic HBV: B19.10
  • AFLD: K70.0
  • PSC: K83.01
  • Hemochromatosis: E83.119

Liver elastography is not recommended for patients with: ascites (or variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy); right heart failure; acute hepatitis; severe obesity; and inability to lie flat.

Liver elastography is a non-invasive, simple, and painless exam. Total examination time when combined with the associated abdominal ultrasound is up to 1 hour. Patients are not to eat or drink 8-hours prior to the exam to ensure reliable test results.

The preparations for your ultrasound will vary based on your study/symptoms. You will be provided directions when you schedule your appointment. Please follow the instructions carefully to ensure the best possible scan.

Your sonographer is not permitted to discuss findings with you. The findings are required to be reported to your physician, who will contact you. A highly specialized radiologist interprets your images and then reports the findings to your physician within 48 hours.

Q. What are the risks to an ultrasound?

A. Ultrasounds are considered to be one of the lowest risk scans available. There is no radiation exposure involved with an ultrasound.