What is Liver Elastography?

Elastography is not a diagnostic test. It is an imaging test similar to an ultrasound which is performed to monitor the presence and evolution of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease.

Liver elastography is used to quantify fibrosis in the following liver diseases:   

• Viral hepatitis (B or C). 
• Chronic liver disease associated with alcohol consumption (alcoholic liver disease). 
• Fatty liver (hepatic steatosis). 
• Cholestatic (when bile flow is slowed or blocked) and autoimmune liver diseases (autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis).
• Metabolic liver diseases, i.e. those that affect the process of breaking down food (Wilson's disease, haemochromatosis, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency). 

Preparation for elastography is very simple. The following is required: 

• Not eating or drinking for 3-4 hours before the test. This helps to obtain better images of the liver. 
• Wearing comfortable clothing that allows the abdominal area to be exposed. 

The patient lies down on the examination table with the abdomen uncovered, so the healthcare professional can apply gel to the skin to improve contact with the device. A small device (transducer) is then placed over the liver area which emits sound waves that measure liver stiffness. 

The test takes about 5-10 minutes. It is generally a quick procedure. 

There is no pain during elastography. The entire process is painless and non-invasive. Some slight pressure may be felt on the skin where the transducer is in contact with your abdomen as well as a tapping sensation when the transducer measures liver stiffness. The gel may feel a little cold, but is not uncomfortable.

Elastography is a very safe test. It uses no radiation and has no significant risks. There are usually no side effects after the test.