The liver is known for its natural detoxification ability to rid the body of chemicals, toxins, and substances. It breaks down fats and produces energy, and its primary function is to filter and clean the blood from the digestive tract, which is then allocated throughout the body. Bile is also secreted from the liver and redistributed to the intestines. Many issues can affect the liver, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, poor dietary habits, excessive alcohol consumption, and toxic overload. Taking high amounts of ibuprofen or acetaminophen and avoiding any thoughts on how these things affect our bodies also can contribute to liver dysfunction.
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), nearly 3.9 million Americans have been diagnosed with some form of liver disease, but strikingly, the number of individuals living with undiagnosed liver disorders is exceptionally high. All too often, liver issues go unnoticed until the late stages of the disease have set in.
Liver Diseases and Disorders:
• Viral Hepatitis
• Mononucleosis (Epstein Barr)
• Fatty Liver disease (Non-Alcoholic)
• Cirrhosis
• Heavy Alcohol Use
• Excessive Iron Intake
• Excessive Acetaminophen (OTC pain relievers)
• Cancer
The liver is protected behind the lower right ribs and takes in nutrients and waste from the intestines to filter and detoxify the blood. Simultaneously, it also receives blood and oxygen from the heart through the hepatic artery. The liver controls many functions, but most importantly, it filters cholesterol levels and processes glycogen.
Although many people are unaware of liver issues, some late-stage symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, nausea and vomiting, and jaundice of the skin and eyes. In addition to routine blood work to check liver enzyme levels, there is a much more accurate way to diagnose liver function issues.
Fibroscan
The Fibroscan works much like an ultrasound through vibrations. It’s a non-invasive procedure that is quick, easy and precise. By placing a scanner on your abdomen, the practitioner will record the results of the scan within 5 minutes. That’s all it takes to see if your liver is healthy.
How it works
FibroScan®, also known as transient elastography, is superior to ultrasound for the detection of liver scarring and therefore may be used to determine if cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis is present at the initial assessment and whether it has developed during follow up because of disease progression.
The FibroScan® device works by measuring shear wave velocity. In this technique, a 50-MHz wave is passed into the liver from a small transducer on the end of an ultrasound probe. The probe also has a transducer on the end that can measure the velocity of the shear wave (in meters per second) as this wave passes through the liver. The shear wave velocity can then be converted into liver stiffness, which is expressed in
Test Preparation
The only preliminary preparation required is that patients fast for 2–3 hours prior to the procedure due to the potential increase in liver stiffness from postprandial blood flow.
Is the exam covered by insurance?
FibroScan® is covered by most insurance providers for approved indications. The exam is also available at a low cost self pay rate of $69.
What are the advantages of FibroScan® testing compared to liver biopsy?
• Non-Invasive
• No- Hospitalization
• No Risk for Bleeding
• Wide Discrepancies between Pathologists
• Larger Sample Size
Liver biopsies sample a very small piece of the liver, which can lead to incorrect staging, either over-staging or under-staging of fibrosis. Sampling error may occur in up to 25-30% of liver biopsies. The actual area measured by FibroScan® has a volume that 100 times bigger than the average liver biopsy sample.
Why Radiology Regional?
Radiology Regional is a physician-owned, well-established imaging practice with over 30 board-certified radiologists that work closely with your doctor. You will get personalized service and expertise in a warm, comfortable environment, which is not always offered with a big group or hospital-owned organization. Radiology Regional also provides the newest technological advances. Their superior imaging equipment includes 3T wide-bore MRI, 256 Slice CT, 3D Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, PET Scans, and Siemens ultrasound. Radiology Regional is a premier diagnostic facility that takes pride in offering the highest quality healthcare to the community.
For over 50 years, Radiology Regional has expanded its scope of services and number of outpatient facilities to meet the growing needs of their patients and referring physicians. Radiology Regional has thirteen , ACR/IAC accredited and convenient locations to serve you. Their dedicated team of board-certified radiologists, registered technologists, and other specialists are committed to providing their patients with exceptional care utilizing the most advanced technology and techniques available.
Radiology Regional has 13 locations in 3 counties, Lee, Collier and Charlotte. Ask your physician to refer you to Radiology Regional for your imaging needs.
Contact Radiology Regional today at (941) 255-7945, (239) 425-4678 (Español)
Radiology Regional
18300 Murdock Circle, Building #15
Port Charlotte (Behind the Surgery Center)
www.radiologyregional.com