GSC Newsletter (10) - Flipbook - Page 6
Fibroscan®
A non-invasive procedure that assesses liver stiffness and
fatty changes to measure the extent of liver fibrosis.
LiverHealth Scan offers a mobile service across
Melbourne, Gippsland and the Bass Coast.
Quantifying Liver Fat
The incorporation of a Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP™)
score alongside Fibroscan® enhances the assessment by
quantifying steatosis, or liver fat content, in a non-invasive
manner. CAP™, expressed in dB/m, complements fibrosis
measurements, providing a comprehensive evaluation of liver
disease progression. Risk factors for hepatic steatosis include
obesity, diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Healthy Liver
MASLD
MASH
Early Fibrosis
Advanced Fibrosis &
Cirrhosis
Traditionally, liver biopsy served as
the primary means of quantifying
fibrosis (this remains the gold
standard today). However, its
invasive nature, associated pain, and
risk of complications like bleeding
and infection render it a less
desirable option for routine
monitoring.
Fortunately, non-invasive techniques
for assessing liver fibrosis have
gained prominence, with Fibroscan®
emerging as a reliable tool for
detection. Utilising transient
elastography (TE), Fibroscan®
evaluates liver stiffness by measuring
the speed of shear waves as they
travel through the liver tissue. The
procedure, lasting approximately 15
minutes, is painless and entails
minimal discomfort for the patient.
Indications for Fibroscan
Hepatitis B
Diabetes
Patients exhibiting abnormal Liver Function
Tests (LFTs)
Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD)
Pre-anti-viral treatment assessment for
Hepatitis C
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Haemochromatosis
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Cardiovascular Disease
Evaluation of liver fibrosis in the context of
drug/therapeutic usage, e.g., Methotrexate
The Fibroscan® outcome serves multiple purposes, including the measurement of current scarring,
monitoring its progression through serial scans, and aiding in the management of treatment
strategies and prognosis for the patient. Additionally, ultrasound imaging is frequently employed
alongside Fibroscan® to assess conditions such as hepatocellular carcinoma, detect lesions like
tumors or cysts, and evaluate portal hypertension and abdominal varices.
Referrals can be emailed to fibroscan@liverhealthscan.com.au
Phone: 03 9018 4088 Fax: 03 9102 9774
