Liver elastography
Explanation
Liver elastography is a scan that measures how stiff the liver is. It helps assess possible scarring, called fibrosis, without taking a tissue sample. Stiffness is one part of the assessment, not a diagnosis by itself.
What does the scan measure?
The examination uses ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to track small vibrations travelling through the liver. The way they travel gives a measure of tissue stiffness. The test can help assess liver disease and follow changes over time.
It measures a property of the tissue. It does not directly show how well the liver carries out all of its jobs. Doctors also use blood tests, other images and medical history when assessing liver health.
Does a stiff liver always mean scarring?
No. Inflammation can also increase liver stiffness. Some other conditions, including heart failure, can affect the measurement. Eating before the examination may influence the result, so follow the preparation instructions from the service doing the scan.
If the result is unclear or does not fit the other findings, further assessment may be needed. A liver biopsy, which examines a small tissue sample, is sometimes used when other tests do not provide a clear answer.
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