What is Fibroscan?

Fibroscan is a medical device that uses ultrasound technology to assess liver stiffness and the risk of cirrhosis. It presents the results of this examination in the form of elastography scores. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in guiding the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases. However, this test must be performed by specialized healthcare professionals.

Fibroscan is a medical device used to assess liver damage and measure the density of liver fibrosis (scar tissue). This device uses ultrasound waves to non-invasively measure liver health. These measurements can also quantitatively assess liver fat accumulation.

The liver is an essential organ in our body, performing many functions, including metabolic processes and the removal of harmful substances. However, liver damage can occur due to factors such as long-term alcohol consumption, the use of certain medications, or chronic liver diseases. When this damage progresses, fibrosis develops in the liver, which can eventually lead to cirrhosis.

Liver damage is often asymptomatic in the early stages, and routine blood tests may be insufficient to detect this damage. Therefore, the traditional method for assessing liver fibrosis density is a liver biopsy. However, due to its risks (bleeding, pain, bile duct injury) and the requirement for hospitalization, this method is preferred in limited cases.

Fibroscan offers an alternative to these challenges. It measures liver stiffness using ultrasound waves and presents the results in the form of elastography scores. Therefore, it is an important tool for early diagnosis of liver damage and monitoring treatment. It is administered by healthcare professionals who require specialized equipment to use the device.

How is Fibroscan Performed?

The Fibroscan procedure is a non-invasive method used to evaluate liver stiffness and fat accumulation and includes the following steps:

• Fasting period: The patient must fast for at least 3 hours. No special preparation is required other than fasting.
• Patient position: The patient lies on his/her back during the procedure.
• Probe placement: A specially designed probe is placed between the ribs in the patient's right liver area. This probe makes contact with the skin and performs measurements.
• The measurement process: The probe uses ultrasound waves to measure liver hardness and fat accumulation. The patient does not experience any pain or discomfort during these measurements.
• Data analysis: Measurements are recorded by the device and their accuracy is checked by both the doctor and the device's software.
• Results Report: Once the procedure is complete, a report is automatically generated and provided to the patient. This report includes information on liver stiffness and fat accumulation.

Advantages

• It allows the evaluation of the level of liver steatosis and fibrosis.
• It can help create personalized treatment plans.
• It is not an invasive procedure and has no side effects.
• It does not cause pain or discomfort for the patient.
• The procedure takes a short time (usually 5-10 minutes).
• The results are available immediately and their reliability is evaluated by the doctor.
• Therefore, fibroscan can be used as an effective tool in the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of liver diseases.

In Which Diseases Is It Applied?

Fibroscan can help detect early-stage liver disease. This early diagnosis can prevent disease progression by initiating appropriate treatment. Liver diseases such as fibrosis and cirrhosis cause changes in liver elasticity. Fibroscan measures these changes in the liver to determine the severity of the damage.

Additionally, fibroscan can be used to monitor and evaluate treatment response to the following diseases:

• Hepatitis B: Fibroscan can be used to determine the extent of liver damage caused by the hepatitis B virus and can help monitor treatment response.
• Hepatitis C : Fibroscan can be used to detect the extent of liver damage caused by the hepatitis C virus and to assess the response to antiviral therapy.
• Alcoholic liver disease: Fibroscan can be used as a tool to determine the severity and progression of liver damage caused by alcohol consumption.
• Other chronic liver diseases: Fibroscan may also be effective in monitoring other chronic liver diseases, such as fatty liver disease, and assessing treatment responses.

Fibroscan is an important tool for monitoring liver health and assessing response to treatment and is used in the management of various liver diseases.

Some Important Points to Consider Before Application

• Medications: If you are taking any medications, discuss them with your doctor before the test. Some medications can affect the test results, so follow your doctor's instructions.
• Fasting: You may need to fast for the length of time your doctor recommends before the test. Generally, you should not eat for at least three hours before the test.
• Alcohol and caffeine: It's important to limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages before the test. These substances can affect the test results, so follow your doctor's instructions.
• Wear comfortable clothing: Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely during the test. This can make the test easier and more comfortable.

It's important to follow your doctor's recommendations and instructions before undergoing a Fibroscan to ensure accurate and reliable test results. Therefore, be sure to contact your doctor beforehand and make the necessary preparations.

Who Cannot Get It Done?

Fibroscan may not be suitable for certain conditions and health issues. Situations where Fibroscan should not be performed include:

• Pregnancy: Fibroscan is generally not recommended for pregnant women. Such tests should generally be avoided during pregnancy.
• Body weight or obesity issues: There may be body weight limitations for use of the Fibroscan device. Accurate results may be difficult to obtain in overweight or obese individuals.
• Severe abdominal fat: Excess abdominal fat can make it difficult to use the device correctly and may affect results.
• Bone density issues: If you have conditions that affect bone density or are using devices that measure bone density (such as DXA), the results of such devices may affect Fibroscan results and may be misleading.
• Skin problems or wounds: Skin problems may prevent the device from being applied correctly or may affect the results.
• Uncooperative or difficulty with test positions: This test may not be suitable for individuals who have difficulty with test positions or who are uncooperative.

Before undergoing a fibroscan, you should share all details about your health and other medical history with your doctor. Your doctor will provide the necessary information to determine the most appropriate test for you and to consider other methods if necessary.

What Should Fibroscan Values ​​Be?

Fibroscan results are measured in a unit called a "kilopascal" (kPa) and indicate the degree of liver fibrosis (i.e., scar tissue). These results can be interpreted as follows:

• F0-F1 (Minimal or absent): This level of fibrosis indicates minimal or no scar tissue in the liver. It generally indicates good liver health.
• F2 (Moderate): Fibrosis at the F2 level indicates mild to moderate scarring. It may indicate the onset of mild liver damage.
• F3 (Advanced): Fibrosis at F3 indicates moderate to severe scarring. At this stage, liver damage becomes more severe.
• F4 (Cirrhosis): Fibrosis at F4 represents the final stage of cirrhosis, where severe scar tissue covers the liver. This can significantly impact liver function.

Fibroscan results are helpful in determining the extent of liver fibrosis, but clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to interpret these results and decide on treatment options. Every patient is different, and treatment or monitoring needs related to liver disease are individualized.