Ultrasound Elastography: Advanced Liver and Thyroid Diagnostics

Ultrasound Elastography: Advanced Liver and Thyroid Diagnostics

Ultrasound elastography is an innovative, non-invasive diagnostic method that allows doctors to assess tissue stiffness (elasticity). While conventional ultrasound shows structure and size, elastography measures tissue density, providing crucial data for diagnosing fibrosis, cirrhosis, and tumors.

Main Applications of Elastography

  • Liver (FibroScan alternative): Assessment of fibrosis stages without the need for a painful biopsy. Essential for managing hepatitis and fatty liver disease.
  • Thyroid Gland: Differentiation between benign and malignant nodules, helping to avoid unnecessary fine-needle aspirations.
  • Mammary Glands: Additional evaluation of suspicious areas identified during standard mammography.
  • Prostate Gland: Precise identification of potentially malignant areas.

Key Advantages

  • Safety: Non-invasive, radiation-free, and requires no incisions.
  • Objectivity: Provides quantitative data on tissue stiffness (measured in kPa).
  • Speed: The procedure takes only 15–20 minutes with immediate results.
  • Monitoring: Ideal for tracking the effectiveness of treatment over time.

Preparation and Procedure

For liver elastography, it is recommended to fast for 4–6 hours before the exam. No special preparation is needed for other organs. The process is identical to a standard ultrasound: the doctor uses a specialized probe to generate gentle pressure waves and analyzes their speed through the tissue.

Liver Stiffness Scale (METAVIR)

  • F0–F1 (up to 7.0 kPa): Normal or minimal changes.
  • F2 (7.1–9.5 kPa): Moderate fibrosis — requires monitoring.
  • F3 (9.6–12.5 kPa): Advanced fibrosis — active treatment needed.
  • F4 (> 12.5 kPa): Probable cirrhosis — urgent hepatologist consultation required.

At Brigid Medical Center, we use expert-class ultrasound systems to ensure the highest diagnostic accuracy for your peace of mind.

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