What level of fibrosis and steatosis is indicated by a Fibroscan showing a liver stiffness measurement of 6.8 kPa and a Controlled Attenuation Parameter of 202?

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FibroScan Results: 6.8 kPa LSM and 202 dB/m CAP

Your FibroScan shows no significant fibrosis (F0-F1) and mild steatosis (S1). This indicates minimal liver disease with no clinically significant scarring.

Liver Stiffness Measurement (6.8 kPa) - Fibrosis Interpretation

Your liver stiffness of 6.8 kPa falls well below the threshold for significant fibrosis and indicates F0-F1 (no to minimal fibrosis).

Evidence-Based Thresholds

  • For NAFLD/MASLD patients, the established cutoff to rule out significant fibrosis (≥F2) is <8.0 kPa, with a 93% sensitivity to exclude advanced fibrosis 1, 2
  • Your measurement of 6.8 kPa is below this threshold, reliably excluding clinically significant fibrosis 1
  • The optimal cutoff for detecting F≥F2 in NAFLD is 8.2 kPa (rounded to 8.0 kPa clinically), and you are well below this 3
  • For hepatitis B, the cutoff for F2-4 is 6.9-7.3 kPa, and you are at the lower end of this range 1

Fibrosis Stage Classification

  • F0-F1 (no to minimal fibrosis): <8.0 kPa 1, 2
  • F≥F2 (significant fibrosis): ≥8.0-8.2 kPa 1, 3
  • F≥F3 (advanced fibrosis): ≥9.6-10.8 kPa 1, 3
  • F4 (cirrhosis): ≥12.0-13.6 kPa 1, 3

Your 6.8 kPa measurement places you in the F0-F1 category with high confidence 1, 3

Controlled Attenuation Parameter (202 dB/m) - Steatosis Interpretation

Your CAP of 202 dB/m indicates minimal to no steatosis (S0-S1).

Evidence-Based CAP Thresholds

  • S≥S1 (any steatosis): ≥248-302 dB/m 1, 3
  • S≥S2 (moderate steatosis): ≥268-331 dB/m 1, 3
  • S3 (severe steatosis): ≥280-337 dB/m 1, 3

Your CAP of 202 dB/m is significantly below even the S1 threshold, indicating either no steatosis or very minimal fat accumulation that does not meet criteria for S1 3

Steatosis Grade Classification

  • In the largest validation study of 450 NAFLD patients, the Youden cutoff for S≥S1 was 302 dB/m 3
  • Another multicenter study found S≥S2 cutoffs of 267-273 dB/m depending on probe type 4
  • Your measurement of 202 dB/m is 100+ dB/m below the threshold for even mild steatosis 3, 4

Clinical Implications and Management

You are at low risk for liver-related complications and can be managed with surveillance testing in 2-3 years 1, 2

Recommended Follow-Up

  • Repeat FibroScan in 2-3 years if metabolic risk factors persist (obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome) 1, 2
  • Repeat in 3-5 years if risk factors are well-controlled 2
  • No urgent hepatology referral needed, as LSM <8.0 kPa reliably excludes advanced fibrosis 1, 2

Important Caveats

  • These results assume your FibroScan met technical validity criteria: ≥10 successful measurements, success rate ≥60%, and interquartile range <30% of median value 2, 5
  • Recent food intake (within 4 hours), active inflammation, or recent alcohol use can falsely elevate readings 2, 5
  • If you have chronic hepatitis B or C, different management algorithms apply even with low LSM 2

What This Means for Your Liver Health

  • No clinically significant liver scarring detected 1, 3
  • Minimal to no fat accumulation in the liver 3, 4
  • Low risk for progression to cirrhosis or liver-related complications 1, 6
  • Continue addressing any underlying metabolic risk factors (weight, diabetes control, alcohol use) to maintain this favorable status 1

References

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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