FibroScan® in San Antonio, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is FibroScan?
FibroScan is a technology used by the gastrointestinal specialists at San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates to noninvasively inspect the liver. Also referred to as transient elastography, the scan utilizes specific ultrasound technology to measure the state of fibrosis and steatosis within the liver. Fibrosis happens when the liver replaces healthy tissue with cicatrix (scar) tissue to heal itself from an underlying condition. Hepatic steatosis is also known as fatty change and happens when fat builds up in the liver cells.
Using FibroScan, your San Antonio, TX, GI providers will be able to examine the condition and function of your liver, and provide a diagnosis and treatment plan without invasively probing the body to examine the liver. If you suffer from a liver issue, contact a San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates location near you to learn if you could benefit from FibroScan technology.
Who is a good candidate for FibroScan testing?
FibroScan testing may be recommended for individuals who are in the early stages of progressive liver disease or other conditions. These might involve:
- Hemochromatosis
- Insulin resistance syndrome (syndrome X)
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Specific types of hepatitis
- Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease (FLD)
- Cirrhosis of the liver (extreme scarring)
- Different types of chronic liver disease (CLD)
How is FibroScan performed?
A FibroScan exam in San Antonio, TX is typically a comfortable test that is completed within 10 – 15 minutes. A sensor will be placed on your skin right above your liver. This particular detector sends sound waves through your liver to measure the rate at which sound crosses through the organ. The FibroScan technology then creates a sequence of findings that your San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates GI specialist will utilize to quantify the degree of hardness (fibrosis) exhibited in your heptic system (liver).
How do you read and interpret FibroScan results?
FibroScan findings are given based on steatosis grade of severity and fibrosis score. The following charts consist of general reports relating to what the exam outcome may reveal. You can discuss the specifics of your results with your San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates GI specialist following your FibroScan exam.
Steatosis grade of severity: The steatosis findings depict the level of fatty change in the liver and is provided by a CAP score (controlled attenuation parameter), which is calculated in dB/m (decibels per meter). The range is from 100 to 400 dB/m, and different ranges result in a different steatosis grade.
|
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 measurement of the hardening of the liver and symbolizes the degree of scarring that the liver has experienced. Your GI provider will utilize your FibroScan result along with your medical records to determine your fibrosis score. Various liver diseases and conditions can impact 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 utilizes ultrasound technology, there is very little to no risk associated with the treatment. FibroScan is a noninvasive imaging technique, so it is usually comfortable. It allows for an extensive analysis of the whole liver instead of just a slight portion that happens in a liver biopsy. On top of that, no sedation is needed for the procedure. It is relatively affordable, quickly performed, and the results are rapidly produced.
Specialized care for liver conditions
As the second-largest organ in the body, your liver executes roles vital to your health. Fibrosis and steatosis may impact your liver and your body in different ways and can lead to fatal conditions without proper care. To learn more about FibroScan in San Antonio, TX, or to connect with a liver specialist close to you, please get in touch with your nearest San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates location today.
FibroScan® FAQs
Is there any necessary prepare for the FibroScan test?
You should not eat or drink anything three hours before your FibroScan exam. You can, however, continue taking any medications as normal. Our doctors recommend that you dress in looser clothes to make it simpler for us to access the right of your ribcage. Someone from our team will go over the preparation instructions with you before your visit to ensure you know exactly what you can expect from FibroScan testing.
What liver diseases will FibroScan track?
The FibroScan test can diagnose and observe the growth of various liver diseases, including:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Hepatitis B or C
- Hemochromatosis
Is there a difference between an ultrasound and the FibroScan?
The FibroScan process is actually a kind of ultrasound that uses the same technology a standard ultrasound will use, called transient elastography. Although they are very similar, FibroScan was created in order to evaluate how stiff the liver is and, therefore, is much more keen on discovering liver issues than a simple ultrasound.
Is FibroScan better compared to a liver biopsy?
FibroScan is a common nonsurgical and minimally invasive option to the liver biopsy. It should be noted, though, that there are sometimes instances in which a biopsy of the liver could be preferred. This could include circumstances when we’re seeing a patient who has a pacemaker or defibrillator, is pregnant, or has fluid in their abdomen. Research has found that, additionally, results might become distorted in individuals who are considered morbidly obese. Keeping all of this in mind, our San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates providers will work closely with you to help decide if this test or a traditional liver biopsy is better for you.
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