FibroScan® in Ocean Springs, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is FibroScan?
FibroScan is an ultrasound-based test used by the GI specialists at Digestive Health Center to noninvasively examine the liver. Also known as transient elastography, the scan uses a specialized ultrasound machine to determine the occurrence of fibrosis and steatosis inside the liver. Fibrosis occurs when the liver exchanges healthy tissue with scar tissue to recover from a different condition. Hepatic steatosis is also identified as fatty liver disease and occurs when fat accumulates in the liver cells.
Using FibroScan, your Ocean Springs, MS GI provider can measure the state and function of your liver and supply a diagnosis and medical plan without intrusively probing the body to review the liver. If you suffer from a liver problem, request an appointment with Digestive Health Center to learn if the FibroScan technology may benefit you.
Who is a candidate for FibroScan testing?
FibroScan testing could be appropriate for clients who have beginning to advanced liver disease or other conditions. These could encompass:
- Hemochromatosis
- NASH or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- Cirrhosis of the liver (severe scarring)
- Syndrome X (insulin resistance syndrome)
- Various kinds of CLD (chronic liver disease)
- Alcoholic FLD
- PBC or primary biliary cholangitis
- Certain types of hepatitis
How is FibroScan conducted?
A FibroScan analysis in Ocean Springs, MS is, all in all, a comfortable procedure that is completed within 10 – 15 minutes. A sensor will be situated on your skin right above your liver. This specific detector transmits sound waves through your liver to quantify the rate at which sound goes through the organ. The FibroScan scanner then develops a series of findings that your Digestive Health Center gastrointestinal provider will utilize to study the totality of hardening (fibrosis) exhibited within your liver.
How do you understand and explain FibroScan results?
FibroScan results are provided in accordance with fatty liver disease grade and fibrosis score. The subsequent charts are comprised of general information relating to what the outcome of the examination might indicate. You may discuss your findings in detail with your Digestive Health Center GI specialist after your FibroScan scan.
Steatosis grade of severity: The steatosis findings describe the level of steatosis in the liver and are delivered via a controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score, which is measured in dB/m (decibels per meter). The range is from 100 – 400 dB/m, and diverse ranges cause various fatty liver grades.
|
CAP Score (dB/m) |
Steatosis Grade |
Amount of Liver With Fatty Change |
|
238 – 260 |
S1 |
11% – 33% |
|
260 – 290 |
S2 |
34% – 66% |
|
290+ |
S3 |
67%+ |
Fibrosis score: The fibrosis outcome is a valuation of the stiffness of the liver and symbolizes the degree of scarring that the liver has experienced. Your GI specialist will use your FibroScan results and your medical history to determine your fibrosis score. Various liver diseases and conditions can change the fibrosis score.
- F0 to F1: No scarring/minimal scarring
- F2: medium scarring
- F3: extreme scarring
- F4: Advanced scarring (cirrhosis)
What are the advantages of FibroScan?
Because FibroScan uses ultrasound technology, the treatment has little to no danger. FibroScan is a noninvasive imaging process and is, therefore, generally comfortable. It enables a broader inspection of the entire liver instead of viewing a small portion in a liver biopsy. Moreover, no sedation is required for the procedure, it is relatively affordable, quickly accomplished, and the results are swift.
Specialized treatment for liver conditions
As one of the largest organs in the body, your liver executes essential functions for your health and wellness. Fibrosis and steatosis may affect your liver and your body in various ways and might lead to life-threatening diseases without the appropriate care. For more information about having a FibroScan in Ocean Springs, MS, or to connect with a liver specialist near you, please call your local Digestive Health Center practice today.
FibroScan® FAQs
Are there any necessary preparations for my FibroScan test?
You should not drink or eat anything in the three hours leading up to your FibroScan test. It is okay to still take your medications. Our GI specialists recommend you wear loose-fitting clothes to make it easier for our team to access the right side of your ribcage. We will discuss the specifics with you before your exam so you understand what you should expect with the FibroScan process.
What liver diseases can FibroScan detect?
Your FibroScan can discover and record the progress of several liver conditions. Common conditions that can be identified with a FibroScan include:
- NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease)
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Hepatitis B and C
- Hemochromatosis
What is the difference between an ultrasound and the FibroScan?
FibroScan is actually a variation of ultrasound that uses the exact same technology a normal ultrasound uses (called transient elastography). While they are similar, FibroScan was developed to assess how stiff the liver is and is much more sensitive to noting issues within the liver than a standard ultrasound.
Is FibroScan better than a liver biopsy?
The FibroScan is a nonsurgical alternative to a liver biopsy. However, there can be circumstances when a liver biopsy would be favored. This includes circumstances when a patient who has a a defibrillator or pacemaker, who is pregnant, or who has fluid in their abdomen. Additionally, results could be incorrect in patients who are considered obese. Keeping all of this in mind, our Digestive Health Center GI specialists will work with you to help determine if this test or a liver biopsy is best for you.
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