FibroScan, virtual liver biopsy
Written by:The fibroscan is a noninvasive technique that detects possible ultrasound liver diseases, liver biopsy is Vitural can prevent complications such as cirrhosis, estatosis, among others.
The FibroScan is a device that uses sound waves ( Ultrasonic ), measures the hardness and elasticity of the liver and, depending on their status ( more or less difficult or more or less elastic ) allows the diagnosis of diseases such as fibrosis, steatosis and liver cirrhosis.
This technique is also known as“ biopsy virtual hepatica&rdquo ;, because it avoids making the patient a targeted and invasive liver biopsy, which involves multiple side effects (such as pain and bleeding )
Performance and interpretation of the results
The technique involves sending the mechanical pulse, which initiates a wave of Ultrasonic by the liver organ is transmitted. The more harder the liver tissue, more rapidly diffusing wave and, therefore, the tissue damage will be greater. The result is expressed as an index in kilopascals ( kPa) immediately. There are four possible phases of the patient's:
one. If the value is less 6-7 kPa, there is little risk of progression of fibrosis and are advised not to initiate treatment.
February. The values 7 to 9.4 kPa, indicates there moderate fibrosis. It is advisable to test with periodic fibroscan so to so assess the progression and the need for treatment.
three. If the margin ranges between 9.5 and 12 kPa, fibrosis is advanced state and antiviral treatment is necessary or advisable.
April. If the result exceeds the 12 to 14 kPa means that is severe fibrosis and there is a high risk of cirrhosis, so that therapy is of an urgent character.
Before and after testing
Fasting should be done, and is not recommended in pregnant women, in patients suffering from ascites or having implantable medical devices.
On the other hand, the FibroScan is not painful and the without complications. The patient is only the medical consultation for about fifteen minutes and requires no income test nor have any abrasive or invasive side effects.
This test is performed in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit of Hospital Chiron teknon Barcelona ( Drs. Fernando Munoz Agel and Varas Lorenzo Modesto, office 34).
