Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging

Transient elastography ( trade name of a French provider Echosens: FibroScan ) is a relatively new method by which the share can be found in the connective tissue in the liver in order to determine any or exclude cirrhosis can.

Operation

A being set in the vicinity of the liver to the stomach low frequency transducer produces a pulse, which propagates in the liver. An ultrasound probe measures the velocity of propagation of this pulse in the liver tissue. Since connective tissue is denser than liver tissue, the rate increases with increasing scarring. So can be determined from the propagation velocity of the connective tissue content.

Pros and Cons

An advantage of the method is that it is a non-invasive method. The patient does not need any preparation or follow and experience during the few minutes inquiry lasting only slight knocking of the pulse. In addition, the Fibroscan detected most of the liver, while in the case of a puncture only a very small portion is examined. The disadvantage of the method is that it is relatively inaccurate in the early stages of cirrhosis and the values ​​are difficult to compare. Therefore, the suspicion by a liver biopsy must be secured. Only at higher scarring, it is suitable as a safe tool.

According to studies, the test can the progression of cirrhosis similar to well predict how other non-invasive methods.