TRANSIENT ELASTOGRAPHY FOR NON-INVASIVE ASSESSMENT OF LIVER FIBROSIS AND STEATOSIS

Abstract

Liver fibrosis is a sign of advanced liver disease and is often an indication for treatment. The current standard for diagnosing liver fibrosis and steatosis is biopsy, but noninvasive alternatives are available; one of the most common is transient elastography . Тhe liver is the largest internal organ. It supports many bodily functions, including digestion and nutrient storage, as well as aiding the body's immune system. Liver fibrosis is the name used to describe a scarring that can indicate damage to the liver. Viral infections, excessive alcohol use and certain diseases can damage the liver. Consequences of liver damage can be serious, including cirrhosis and death. If liver damage is detected early, it can often be treated effectively. Doctors can test how healthy a patient's liver is by taking a tissue sample with a needle, but there are other ways to check liver health that don't require needles or tissue samples. One option is called transient elastography, a scan that measures how stiff the liver tissue is (the more stiff the tissue, the more damaged the liver). We reviewed the evidence to determine the accuracy of transient elastography.