Liver Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography
From infections to lifestyle-related issues, hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis have a variety of causes. Now, Princeton Radiology offers the option of accurate testing of liver tissue stiffness, which can correlate with the presence and degree of fibrosis without the need for biopsy. This assessment also has an important role in treatment planning and periodic monitoring.
What is Elastography?
Experience the future of liver disease diagnosis and monitoring without the need for invasive biopsies. Our advanced medical facility proudly offers liver disease diagnostic services that employ non-invasive techniques, sparing you from the discomfort of traditional liver biopsies. Using state-of-the-art technologies, such as Shear Wave Elastography, we can assess liver health with remarkable precision. This means accurate and detailed insights into the condition of your liver without the need for surgical procedures. Our commitment to innovation ensures that you receive thorough and reliable information about your liver’s well-being, facilitating timely interventions and personalized care plans. Embrace a new era of liver health assessments at Princeton Radiology, where we prioritize your comfort and well-being in every step of your medical journey.
Patients are candidates for liver ultrasound shear wave elastography if they:
- Need initial diagnosis or staging of chronic liver disease, such as chronic viral hepatitis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Have known cirrhosis that requires assessment
- Have unexplained portal hypertension
- Require follow-up after an initial diagnosis of liver fibrosis, to monitor disease progressio
- Are in treatment for liver disease and need follow-up to monitor response or determine if adjustments are necessary
Shear wave ultrasound elastography image acquisitions identify (1) the absence of disease or (2) the stage of fibrosis, reporting a Metavir score equivalent from F0 (no fibrosis) to F4 (cirrhosis).
As a safe, painless ultrasound exam that is non-invasive and uses no ionizing radiation, liver elastography requires minimal patient preparation. Patients may be asked to fast several hours before the test to reduce the potential of food and gas in the digestive system to interfere with the exam. Loose-fitting clothing is recommended, to allow the ultrasound technologist to easily access the upper abdomen. If a patient needs any additional preparation, details will be provided by Princeton Radiology or the referring physician. A written or electronically transmitted prescription from the referring physician is required before the exam can be scheduled.
With the patient lying on their back on an examination table, the ultrasound technologist will apply gel to the right upper abdomen and then move a hand-held transducer across the abdominal skin. In a process that is all but imperceptible to the patient, the transducer emits a special type of sound waves called “shear waves,” which harmlessly vibrate liver tissue so that its stiffness can be measured. The exam lasts 10 to 30 minutes. Most patients can resume normal activities immediately. Depending on the time of day of the appointment, results usually reach the referring physician on the same day, or the next business day at the latest.
This exam is available at the following locations:
Other Benefits of Liver Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography
In addition to the accuracy and non-invasive nature of this fast, painless procedure, liver ultrasound shear wave elastography offers patients the benefits of:
- No risk of complications
- Ease of repeated exams for patients who need regular monitoring of their liver health
- Interpretation by an expert diagnostic radiologist
- Prompt reports to the referring physician
- Ability to complete exams at Princeton Radiology’s convenient outpatient imaging centers
- Reduced cost
Over 60 years of excellence in imaging.
And that’s just one reason why Princeton Radiology is the right choice.
Interpretations by board certified, sub-specialty trained radiologists.
Fast scheduling, less time in the waiting room, and same-day or next-day results in most cases.
We cater to patient schedules with daytime, evening and weekend hours for many exams.
From our friendly and caring staff to our beautiful imaging facilities, everything we do is patient-focused.