Liver Elastography
Liver elastography is a medical imaging exam used to investigate disease in the liver by mapping elastic properties of soft tissue. Cancerous tumors are often harder than the surrounding tissue, and diseased livers are stiffer than healthy ones. Elastography is noninvasive and can be used to guide biopsies, or even replace them entirely.
An innovative diagnostic tool.
As part of our commitment to provide the latest services with state-of-the-art imaging equipment, we are pleased to offer liver elastography at our Greenville location. Given the high prevalence of liver disease, a noninvasive technique to evaluate for inflammation and fibrosis without the need for liver biopsy is a welcome development. Eastern Radiologists now offers this breakthrough procedure, which helps you and your doctor with treatment planning, particularly in patients with Hepatitis C. Exams are performed by our highly trained technologists and interpreted by our team of fellowship-trained body imagers. If you have liver disease, ask your doctor if this exam would be of benefit to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since elastography maps elastic properties in soft tissue, it can effectively reveal evidence of liver disease. Liver stiffness is usually indicative of fibrosis or steatosis, which are in turn indicative of numerous disease conditions, including cirrhosis and hepatitis. Elastography is particularly advantageous in this case because when fibrosis is diffuse, or spread out, a biopsy can easily miss sampling the diseased tissue, which results in a misdiagnosis. What’s more, biopsies are invasive and painful, presenting a risk of infection. Meanwhile, elastography is completely noninvasive.
Schedule an Appointment
Please have your doctor schedule your appointment for this service. If you have questions about your appointment or need to reschedule call 252.752.5000. This service is offered at the following locations:
Preparing for your appointment
Please do not eat or drink for eight hours prior to your examination. Necessary medicine may be taken with a small glass of water.