Fibroscan: A New and Simple Method for Early Diagnosis of Liver Disease

Until recently, biopsy was the most effective method for diagnosing liver cirrhosis, but it is not only invasive, but also costly and has possible complications. Fibroscan is a new, non-invasive alternative that allows assessment of liver stiffness, providing insight into fibrosis and cirrhosis, eliminating the need for a biopsy. In addition to assessing liver fibrosis, Fibroscan can also measure the amount of fat in the liver, and allows for the monitoring of disease progression or regression, enabling doctors to create tailored treatment plans. It is not only cheaper and non-invasive but also faster and equally accurate as a biopsy. 

The Prevalence of Liver Disease in India

Liver disease is a significant health concern in India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), almost 32% of the Indian population is affected by liver problems. Prolonged liver issues can progress into liver fibrosis and cirrhosis - a severe condition in which the liver doesn’t function properly. Alarmingly, cirrhosis accounts for nearly 2 lac deaths in India every year, and is among the top 10 causes of death worldwide. Furthermore, 1 in 5 global deaths caused by cirrhosis occurs in India.

Causes of Chronic Liver Disease

The most common cause of chronic liver disease is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) - a lifestyle-related disease caused by poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal lipid or sugar levels in the blood. NAFLD is prevalent in approximately one-third of the Indian population, making it a significant public health issue.

Other causes of chronic liver disease include:

• Excessive Alcohol Consumption

• Hepatitis B and C Infections

Patients with these conditions may progress to chronic liver disease with fibrosis and cirrhosis without displaying any noticeable symptoms. In fact, their liver function tests may remain normal, leading to missed or delayed diagnoses.

Symptoms of Advanced Liver Disease

By the time symptoms appear, liver disease is often in its advanced stages, with significantly reduced survival rates. The most common symptoms of advanced liver disease include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• Ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen)

• Encephalopathy (confusion or altered mental state due to liver failure)

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (vomiting blood or passing blood in stool)

Approximately 50% of patients who present with these symptoms die within 12 to 18 months of diagnosis. This highlights the importance of early detection and timely intervention to prevent disease progression and save lives.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Given the asymptomatic nature of early liver disease and the limited ability of liver function tests to detect fibrosis or cirrhosis, it is crucial to employ advanced diagnostic tools like Fibroscan. Early diagnosis allows for timely medical intervention, lifestyle modifications, and targeted treatment to prevent the progression of liver disease. Fibroscan offers a non-invasive, affordable, and effective solution for early diagnosis, improving survival rates and enhancing the quality of life for patients with liver disease.

With Fibroscan now available, the need for a costly, invasive liver biopsy is significantly reduced. Early diagnosis and personalised treatment can help patients avoid the severe complications of liver disease and improve survival outcomes.

What is Fibroscan (Liver Elastography)?

Fibroscan is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses ultrasound technology to examine the liver. This scanning method assesses liver health and checks for the presence of fibrosis — the build-up of excess fibrous tissue due to the scarring of collagen tissue.

Doctors recommend the Fibroscan test for various liver-related diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatic tumours. In such cases, a Fibroscan can detect any signs of deteriorating liver function and acute liver failure. Additionally, the test is used to assess abnormal fat accumulation in the liver, commonly associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

This quick, painless, and non-invasive test offers a safer alternative to a biopsy, providing accurate information on liver health and supporting medical intervention.

Why Do I Need a Fibroscan?

Doctors recommend a Fibroscan liver test if you show signs of any progressive liver disease, as it offers more specific and sensitive results compared to a traditional ultrasound scan for detecting fibrosis. By identifying liver issues early, the test allows for timely medical intervention and effective treatment planning.

About CAP Score

The CAP score measures the extent of liver damage, including the presence of cirrhosis and the potential risk of liver failure. A higher CAP score indicates a greater severity of liver damage, suggesting more advanced stages of cirrhosis. This score helps doctors assess the health of the liver, and guides treatment decisions to prevent further progression of the disease.

About Fibrosis Result

The fibrosis score is an assessment of the scarring in the liver, which may result from a disease or condition such as cirrhosis. This scoring system helps determine whether the scarring in the liver is mild, moderate, or severe. Generally, the greater the extent of liver scarring, the higher the risk of developing liver failure. This score provides crucial information for doctors to evaluate liver health and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

• Fibrosis Score - F0 to F1 - No or mild liver scarring 
• Fibrosis Score - F2 - Moderate liver scarring 
• Fibrosis Score - F3 - Severe liver scarring 
• Fibrosis Score - F4 - Advanced liver scarring

Risks or Complications of Fibroscan

The Fibroscan liver test is a simple, painless, and quick procedure. Unlike an invasive biopsy, Fibroscan is non-invasive, meaning it does not require any incisions or the removal of tissue samples. Patients can undergo the test without anaesthesia or sedation, making it a safe and low-risk procedure. Most patients do not experience any side effects, and the procedure is well-tolerated by individuals of all age groups.

Read More:- FibroScan® Liver Scan: An Alternative to Liver Biopsy

Preparation for Fibroscan

To ensure accurate results, you should avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before the scan. Additionally, refrain from eating or drinking large quantities of fluids for at least 3 hours prior to the scan. Following these guidelines will help improve the accuracy of the test results.

How Much Time Does a Fibroscan Test Take?

The Fibroscan test takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. The procedure is quick, simple, and non-invasive, with minimal risks or side effects. Patients can resume their normal routine immediately after the test.

What to Expect After a Fibroscan?

The Fibroscan test is painless and takes only a few minutes to complete. Once the test is finished, you can immediately return to your normal activities without any restrictions or downtime.

Conclusion

A Fibroscan liver test is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses ultrasound to assess the health of the liver and detect fibrosis. Unlike a liver biopsy, the Fibroscan test is painless, quick, and requires no recovery time. The procedure takes only 15 minutes, and patients can go home on the same day.

This state-of-the-art Fibroscan technology for the diagnosis of liver disease is available at Max Super Speciality Hospital. It provides an immediate, non-invasive, and painless measurement of liver health, making it a vital tool for patients with liver disease. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fibroscan

1. What is IQR in Fibroscan?

IQR (Interquartile Range) in Fibroscan reflects the variability of liver stiffness measurements. A lower IQR indicates more consistent and reliable results.

2. Is the Fibroscan test done on an empty stomach?

Yes, it is recommended to avoid eating or drinking large amounts of fluids for at least 3 hours before the Fibroscan test for accurate results.

3. Is Fibroscan painful?

No, the Fibroscan test is painless. It is a quick, non-invasive procedure that feels like a gentle tapping sensation on the skin.

4. How to reduce Fibroscan score?

To reduce your Fibroscan score, you should limit alcohol, follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and manage blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

5. How to check a Fibroscan report?

A Fibroscan report includes two key values that help assess the health of your liver:

• Liver Stiffness (kPa): This value measures the degree of fibrosis (scarring) in the liver. Higher values indicate more severe scarring, which may be linked to conditions like cirrhosis.
• CAP Score (dB/m): This value measures the amount of fat in the liver, helping detect fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A higher CAP score indicates a higher level of fat in the liver.

These values provide essential information on liver health, and it’s important to consult your doctor to understand what they mean for your specific condition. Your doctor will explain the results and recommend appropriate treatment or lifestyle changes, if necessary.