FibroScan® in Kansas City, MO
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Find a ProviderWhat is FibroScan?
FibroScan is a technology utilized by GI providers at Digestive Health Specialists to noninvasively investigate the liver. Also referred to as transient elastography, the scan utilizes a particular ultrasound technology to assess the occurrence of fibrosis and steatosis within the liver. Fibrosis happens when the liver replaces healthy tissue with scar tissue in an attempt to recover itself from some other condition. Hepatic steatosis is also referred to as fatty change and appears when fat collects in the liver cells.
Using FibroScan, your Kansas City, MO gastrointestinal specialists may evaluate the state and working condition of your liver, and supply a diagnosis and medical plan without aggressively probing the body to inspect the liver. If you suffer with a liver problem, arrange an appointment with Digestive Health Specialists to learn if you might find value from FibroScan technology.
Who is a candidate for FibroScan testing?
FibroScan analysis might be recommended for patients who have early to advanced liver disease or other conditions. These may involve:
- NASH or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- Cirrhosis of the liver (extreme scarring)
- Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
- Hemochromatosis
- Dysmetabolic syndrome
- Specific types of hepatitis
- different kinds of chronic liver disease (CLD)
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease
How is FibroScan conducted?
A FibroScan test in Kansas City, MO is an easy method that is accomplished within 10 – 15 minutes. A sensor will be put on your skin on top of your liver. This distinctive detector emits acoustic sound waves through your liver to determine the speed at which sound goes through the organ. The FibroScan technology then produces a set of results that your Digestive Health Specialists gastrointestinal physcians will put to good use to study the totality of scarring (fibrosis) existing in your heptic system (liver).
How do you understand and interpret FibroScan results?
FibroScan findings are provided according to fatty liver disease grade of severity and fibrosis score. The subsequent charts include generic information relating to what the results of the scan might indicate. You can review your findings in specifics with your Digestive Health Specialists GI providers after your FibroScan scan.
Steatosis grade of severity: The steatosis findings characterizes the level of fatty change in the liver and is delivered via a CAP score (controlled attenuation parameter), which is measured in decibels per meter (dB/m). The range is from 100 to 400 decibels per meter, and assorted ranges contributes to a different fatty liver grade.
|
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 result is a valuation of the scarring of the liver and illustrates the level of scarring that the liver has experienced. Your GI providers will use your FibroScan findings along with your medical records to determine your fibrosis score. Various liver diseases and conditions can change the fibrosis score.
- F0 to F1: No scarring/minimal scarring
- F2: Moderate scarring
- F3: Extreme scarring
- F4: Advanced scarring (cirrhosis)
What are the advantages of FibroScan?
Because FibroScan utilizes ultrasound technology, there are minor to no problems linked with the treatment plan. FibroScan is a non-invasive imaging technique and therefore is usually comfortable. It grants for a wide-ranging evaluation of the complete liver rather than looking into a very small part that occurs in a liver biopsy. On top of that, no sedation is vital for the therapy, it is relatively low-cost, briskly accomplished, and the outcomes are instant.
Expert care for liver conditions
As one of the largest organs in the body, your liver performs duties important for your health. Fibrosis and steatosis could impact your liver and your body in various ways and may lead to severe conditions without suitable care. For more information about FibroScan in Kansas City, MO or to meet with a hepatologist near you, please get in touch with your local Digestive Health Specialists office today.
FibroScan® FAQs
How should I prepare for my FibroScan test?
You will be instructed not to drink or eat anything before your FibroScan procedure. You can, however, continue taking your daily medications as prescribed. Our GI doctors advise you to dress in loose clothing so it’s easier to access the right side of your ribcage. Our staff will discuss these details with you ahead of the exam to make sure you know and understand what you should expect with your FibroScan test.
What liver concerns can FibroScan evaluate?
A FibroScan procedure can discover and record the growth of several liver diseases, including:
- NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease)
- Alcoholic liver disease
- NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)
- Hepatitis B or C
- Hemochromatosis
What is the difference between FibroScan and an ultrasound?
FibroScan is a type of ultrasound that uses the same technology a typical ultrasound uses, known as transient elastography. And while the two are very similar, FibroScan was invented specifically to detect stiffness in the liver and, therefore, is perceptibly more accurate in detecting liver issues than a standard ultrasound.
Is FibroScan better compared to a liver biopsy?
FibroScan is a nonsurgical and minimally invasive alternative for a liver biopsy. Even so, there can be circumstances where a biopsy of the liver could be the better choice. This could include circumstances in which we’re seeing a patient who has a pacemaker or defibrillator, who is pregnant, or has fluid in their abdomen. It has also been determined that results may become inaccurate in patients who are considered morbidly obese. For these reasons, our Digestive Health Specialists GI doctors will work alongside you to help decide if FibroScan or a traditional liver biopsy is better for you.
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