From the Guidelines
A liver ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the liver and surrounding organs, and it is the recommended surveillance modality for patients with advanced fibrosis at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) according to international guidelines 1. The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes and requires minimal preparation, usually just fasting for 6-8 hours before the exam if ordered by your doctor.
- Liver ultrasounds help diagnose various conditions including fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, tumors, cysts, gallstones, and blockages in bile ducts.
- The test works because different tissues reflect sound waves differently, allowing visualization of the liver's structure and any abnormalities.
- Ultrasound is particularly valuable because it doesn't use radiation, is relatively inexpensive, widely available, and can be performed quickly.
- You may experience slight discomfort from pressure as the transducer moves across your abdomen, but the procedure is generally painless. However, it's worth noting that the accuracy of ultrasound in detecting liver lesions can be limited by operator skill and the availability of contrast agents, as seen in studies from 2017 1. Additionally, a study from 2014 found that ultrasound has a limited ability to accurately classify fatty liver in children, with a positive predictive value between 47 and 62% 1. Despite these limitations, ultrasound remains a valuable tool in the diagnosis and surveillance of liver disease, particularly in patients with advanced fibrosis or at risk for HCC, due to its non-invasive nature and widespread availability 1.
From the Research
Definition and Purpose of Liver Ultrasound
- A liver ultrasound is a non-invasive medical imaging test used to evaluate the liver and diagnose various liver diseases and conditions 2, 3.
- The test uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the liver, allowing healthcare professionals to assess the liver's texture, size, and shape, as well as detect any abnormalities or lesions 2.
- Liver ultrasounds are commonly used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as liver cancer, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and liver fibrosis 3, 4.
Techniques and Methods Used in Liver Ultrasound
- Conventional sonography, contrast-enhanced sonography, and elastography are some of the techniques used in liver ultrasound examinations 3.
- These techniques enable healthcare professionals to assess liver texture, detect focal lesions, and evaluate liver fibrosis and bile duct dilatation 3.
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is another technique used to diagnose and stage liver tumors, and can provide complementary information to cross-sectional imaging 5.
Applications and Benefits of Liver Ultrasound
- Liver ultrasounds are useful in the initial evaluation of patients suspected of liver disease, as well as in the monitoring of patients with known liver conditions 2.
- The test is also used to guide liver biopsies and to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for liver diseases 6.
- Liver ultrasounds are non-invasive, relatively inexpensive, and do not expose patients to ionizing radiation, making them a valuable diagnostic tool in the management of liver diseases 2, 3.