Ultrasound based Liver Elastography is a special type of ultrasound test which uses sound waves to measure stiffness of liver. It is advisable to refrain from eating or drinking for three hours before the scan. Elastography is a quick, non-invasive and painless test which is done by scanning in the right upper abdomen. The results are recorded and an overall stiffness score is generated. Stiffness of liver is a sign of liver fibrosis and some chronic liver diseases like fatty liver and hepatitis can cause the liver to lose its elasticity and become stiffer. Elastography helps the doctor to assess the severity of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease. The doctors can plan treatment protocols like need for antiviral therapy or liver cancer surveillance based on the reports. Elastography can also be used to monitor the progression of disease over a period of time.
At MITR hospital kharghar, Point Shearwave Elastography is available which is performed under imaging guidance on an ultrasound machine.
