Fibroscan

What is Fibroscan®?

Fibroscan® is a new technology that allows the non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis, or the formation of scar tissue due to injury or long-term inflammation. It makes use of a probe that is pressed against the body and creates a special pulse whose velocity is measured by ultrasound. The velocity determines how stiff the patient’s liver is – the stiffer the liver, the greater the degree of fibrosis.

The early detection of fibrosis is key to preventing chronic (long-standing) liver disease, which is associate with conditions such as hepatitis B, alcoholic liver disease, and fatty liver disease.

How is the examination performed?

The examination is performed with the patient lying on this back, with his right arm raised behind his head. The examiner applies a water-based gel and gently presses the Fibroscan® probe against a spot in between the ribs, above the right love of the liver. A mechanical pulse is generated on the skin surface, which is then propagated through the liver.

How long does the procedure take?

The examination includes at least 10 consecutive measurements made at the same location on the body, and usually takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. The patient can back to his usual activities immediately after the procedure.

What will the patient feel during the procedure?

The Fibroscan® examination is painless, quick, and easy. During the measurements, the patient will only feel a slight vibration on the skin where the tip of the probe is applied.

When will the results of the examination be known?

The result of the Fibroscan® examination will be available in 3 working days. The result is a number expressed in kilopascals (kPa). It is the average score of 10 determinations. The patient should bring the result to his doctor, who in turn will interpret the result while taking into account the patient’s clinical information.

What are the benefits of the procedure?

Fibroscan® offers a rapid, painless, and completely non-invasive examination of the liver. It can be performed without the need for specific pre-procedural preparation or anesthesia. It is an important adjunct to liver biopsy in the evaluation of patients with liver disease. In some patients, a liver biopsy may not even be necessary depending on the results of the Fibroscan® test. Moreover, the procedure can be repeated multiple times to detect changes in the status of the patient’s liver disease. Fibroscan® also allows the physician to monitor the patient’s liver health over time with or without treatment.

For which liver diseases is Fibroscan® useful?

Fibroscan® can be used to assess liver fibrosis that may result from any chronic liver disease. Fibroscan® has been extensively evaluated and has been found to be most useful in patients with chronic infection with hepatitis B o C virus, alcoholic liver disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Are there patient for whom Fibroscan® cannot be performed?

At the present time, Fibroscan® may not be adequately performed on patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 30 or a midthoracic circumference greater than 110 cm. in a limited number of patients who have an acceptable BMI and/or midthoracic circumference, the procedure may still not be satisfactorily performed due to narrow intercostal spaces (the spaces between two ribs), which will not allow the Fibroscan® probe to be positioned properly for adequate examination.

What are the risks of the procedure?

There are no specific risks associated with the procedure. However, the Fibroscan® machine is not recommended for use in the following:

• On an organ other than the liver
• On a patient with active implantable devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, etc.
• On open wounds at the site of probe application
• On pregnant women
• On patients with ascites or fluid accumulation inside the abdomen

How can The Medical City help you?

The Medical City is the first hospital in the Philippines to offer this novel technological advancement in liver disease management. Please call the Center for Liver Disease Management and Transplantation for more information on Fibroscan®.

For other patient-partner related inquiries, please call:

CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP

Tel. No.: (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6444

Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment.   If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.

References:

• Echosens 3VoletsPatientEN. indd 1
• TMC Center for Liver Disease Management and Transplantation