Elastography is an imaging test that examines whether an organ is stiffer than normal. Stiffness in an organ could very well be a symptom of disease. Elastography is primarily used to test for the presence of stiffness in the liver. Stiff areas of the liver are thought to be a symptom of scar tissue (fibrosis) caused by liver disease.
Liver fibrosis occurs when certain diseases damage the liver over a long period of time. As the liver attempts to heal, more scar tissue is formed. Almost any condition that causes ongoing or repeated damage to the liver can cause liver fibrosis. Symptoms that are most likely to cause fibrosis include the following
- Hepatitis C and hepatitis B. These liver diseases are caused by microorganisms.
- Alcohol use disorders (AUDs); AUDs can cause alcohol-related liver disease, in which large amounts of fat accumulate in the liver. Fat can cause liver inflammation (edema) and damage liver material.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This pattern of fat accumulation is not uncommon in persons suffering from diabetes, obesity, and/or high blood cholesterol. It is not caused by heavy alcohol consumption.
As fibrosis progresses, scar tissue replaces healthy liver cells and interferes with normal liver function. Scar tissue can reduce blood flow to the liver. Lack of blood flow increases damage to the liver and leads to fibrosis.
If fibrosis does not heal, the patient may become lethargic. Difficult fibrosis is called cirrhosis. In cirrhosis, scarring of the liver is permanent. This can lead to liver failure and other serious health problems. Cirrhosis also increases the risk of liver cancer.
Fibrosis and early cirrhosis do not always cause symptoms. But elastography Early detection of scarring in the liver can help ensure that healing can begin before the damage is extensive. There are two scars on the liver elastography tests:
- Ultrasound elastography also called transitional scars. elastography A field ultrasound device uses sound waves to send pulsations to the liver. The device measures how fast the pulsations pass through the liver. If there are areas of hard liver tissue, the pulsations travel faster through those areas. The computer uses the measurement results to create an image that shows the severity of the liver tissue, which may be a symptom of fibrosis.
- MRE (magnetic response) elastography ) The pulse is sent to the liver and measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a procedure in which a giant magnet and radio waves are used to create images of organs and structures in the body. in the MRE test, a computer program creates cards showing all kinds of strict areas of the liver.
Other names: liver elastography , transient elastography , FibroScan, MR elastography
What is it used for?
Liver elastography It is used to detect liver fibrosis (scarring). It can be used in place of a liver biopsy. Liver tissue is removed for study.
The information from an elastography test can help:
- Diagnosis of liver damage in people at high risk for liver damage.
- Shows how serious liver damage is
- Supervises healing choices for liver damage
- Monitors how well liver disease is healing
- Helps predict the likelihood that liver disease will cause certain serious problems
- Check the amount of fat in your liver
Why do I need an elastography test?
You may need an elastography Check for liver fibrosis (scarring) in case you
- Once you get liver disease, information from a health care professional should determine your healing choices.
- Other liver tests indicate possible inflammation or damage to the liver.
- The possibility of cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver) is significant. Conditions that increase the risk of cirrhosis include
- Alcohol consumption disorder (AUD)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Chronic (long-term) hepatitis B or c
- Certain autoimmune or genetic disorders
- Long-term use of certain medications
Cirsus may only give signs if the liver is damaged. Signs of early cirrhosis include a good chance of
- Restless or feeling weak
- Bad appetite
- Weight loss without trying it
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mild pain in your upper stomach (gastric)
As your liver gets worse, other symptoms are more likely
- Brief bleeding and hemorrhage
- Confusion, memory loss or sleep disturbances
- Swelling of your legs or feet
- Bloated stomach or an absolutely moist atmosphere in your stomach
- Itching
- Dark urine
- Yellow und (yellow coloration of the skin and eyes).
What happens during an elastography test?
An ultrasound elastography Often performed by a radiologist who is considered a health care professional trained in imaging studies. The radiologist may perform the analysis. A radiologist is a physician who deals with the application of medical imaging studies to diagnose disease.
An elastography The study is abrupt and usually consists of the following steps
- Remove the garment covering the right abdomen (stomach) and expose the skin over the liver.
- You lie down on a table and the technician applies a special gel to your skin.
- The technician will hold a device called a transducer and move it over your skin.
- Slow your breathing for 10-15 seconds while the device sends a series of pulsations to your liver. You feel the device’s pulsations on your skin, but they are painless.
- The vibrations “bounce” through the liver to the device, which sends the information to a computer.
- The computer produces an image of the liver, showing different areas of hard tissue and other symptoms of liver disease.
MRE (magnetic resonance) elastography MRE (magnetic resonance imaging) is performed using an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine. during the MRE procedure:.
- You lie on a narrow examination table.
- The technician will place a number of small instruments in the lower right corner of your abdomen. One device, called a “driver,” sends a painless pulse to the liver. Other devices send and receive radio waves to and from a computer.
- The table slides into a giant MRI tunnel. Sounds are heard as the machine prepares the images. Earplugs or headphones may be provided to block out the noise.
- The MRI scanner will ask you to hold your breath for 10-15 seconds while it pulsates the liver.
- The computer will produce an image of the liver showing any type of scarring or other symptoms of liver disease.
Should I prepare for the exam?
Your doctor will tell you how to prepare for your liver. elastography In general, it is a good idea to wear a loose shirt or a sweater that you can just tuck in. You may be instructed to fast (no food or drink) for several hours before the exam.
If MREs are present, the entire metal should be removed from the body. Notify your health care provider if any medical device or metal has been ejected from your body. The scanner may become hot and cause burns.
Are there any risks associated with the test?
No, there are no general risks associated with ultrasound. elastography There are small risks for most people. If you are concerned about being in a confined space, inform your provider before testing. Your provider will provide you with a relaxing beverage. Tell your provider if you are or may be pregnant.
What do the results mean?
Your elastography The images will be examined by a radiologist and the results will be sent to your physician. The results will show how much stiffness was found in the liver. This will tell you how much scar tissue (fibrosis) is present in the liver. The total gives a fibrosis score. This is based on the number of liver stiffness and the basic facts.
- F0 – F1 is normal. This means that there is little or no scarring in the liver.
- F2 means there is mild scarring.
- F3 means severe scarring.
- F4 means you have cirrhosis (very thick scars).
Your results also indicate how much fat is in your liver. Measuring fat in the liver is called a “cap score”. This says something about the percentage of the liver that is considered fat. A normal liver has less than 5% fat. Higher numbers mean you have a cold liver, which can cause fibrosis.
If you have mild to severe fibrosis or liver fat, treating the underlying condition and adjusting your lifestyle, including food and exercise, will improve the situation. If there is cirrhosis, base healing has the ability to subtract the scarring of the liver from the evil shift. Successful healing offers the opportunity to slowly improve the scarring.
If you have questions about the outcome, consult with your own Internet provider.
Is there anything else I should know? an elastography ?
Certain situations allow for accuracy an elastography of the test. These include
- Inflammation (swelling) of the liver due to disease or alcohol consumption
- Tumors of the liver
- Obesity
- Abnormal moisture makes belly & lt; pan & gt; F4 means you have cirrhosis (very slow scarring).
About Us
Family Medicine
In 2024 our team of doctors and nurses provide a comprehensive range of family planning services. Our doctors have expertise in antenatal care, preconception planning, and STD checks. Contraceptive advice including Mirena and Implanon insertion is available.- Early detection of illness;
- Family planning;
- Promotion of healthy lifestyle;
- Skin cancer checks;
- Sports injuries;
- Weight reduction;
- Workers compensation and third party.
- Cervical Screening tests;
- Reproductive health. Including Mirena and Implanon insertion;
- Shared antenatal care.
- Preventative Healthcare. Including cardiovascular screening, mental health and cancer checks;
- Prostate examination.
Children's Health
Baby Weighing Service. Babies can be booked with our Nurse for weighing, a doctors appointment is not required to use this service. Contact reception for a appointment to have your baby weighed.Immunisations. At Tuggeranong Square children's immunisation is regarded an important part of your childs health care. Our doctors take immunising children very seriously. and to ensure all children are immunised Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice doctors BULK BILL for all childhood immunisations. Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice also ensures the Practice Nursing Staff are highly trained in childhood immunisations.
Women's Health
Our practice is dedicated to treating a wide spectrum of women’s health concerns. We offer pre-natal, antenatal and postnatal care, contraceptive options, pap screening, and preventative health care advice. We provide assistance, advice and support through all stages of life, recognising the many issues many women may face from adolescence through to the peri and post-menopausal period.
Men's Health
We encourage men to present routinely to their GP to discuss all aspects of their health. We provide comprehensive advice and support for men to address the prevention and management of various health conditions. This may include assessments for cardiovascular risk, diabetes, cancer prevention, mental health assessments, STD screening, sports injuries and the importance of sleep as it relates to other areas of health.
