Before scanning the patient It is important to remember that liver stiffness is measured, not liver fibrosis. Liver stiffness is influenced by fibrosis, inflammation, and congestion. Therefore obtaining clinical information before starting the examination is helpful. Important patient factors that…
General protocol For all of the ultrasound (US) shear wave elastography (SWE) techniques (vibration controlled transient elastography [VCTE], point shear wave elastography [pSWE] and two-dimensional shear wave elastography [2D-SWE]), adherence to a strict protocol when assessing liver stiffness is required.…
Introduction to stiffness Liver diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis as well others, may be characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix material (collagen, fibronectin, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans), fats and triglycerides,…
Introduction Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a substantial worldwide problem. Any disease that incites liver inflammation can lead to liver fibrosis, which can then progress to cirrhosis. The stage of liver fibrosis is important to determine prognosis, surveillance, progression, or…
The burden of chronic liver disease Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and an important contributor to the burden of disease and health care utilization worldwide. It is estimated that CLD accounts for approximately…