Diagnosis for liver fibrosis - noninvasively.

ABSTRACT

Noninvasive tests are utilized in chronic liver diseases to assess excessive connective tissue. Blood tests such as the N-terminal peptide of procollagen (PIIINP) and APRI (ASAT/platelet count) measure the formation and degradation of connective tissue or liver function. Elastography (Fibroscan) is based on the propagation of ultrasound in liver tissue, accelerated by fibrosis the results are more sensitive and accurate than those based on blood tests. Reliable detection of severe fibrosis and cirrhosis is possible with Fibroscan along with determining normal liver tissue.