Ultrasound V Fibroscan Results - Confused

[Harves3]

Hi all.

I was diagnosed in February with Cirrohsis following bloods all over the place including signs of inflamation. I was sent for a Fibroscan. My score came back as 29 so was told that at that level of stiffness it that was the diagnosis.

I have since had an Ultrasound. The Consultant on the phone said that my liver is a normal shape and size and that the surface was nice and smooth.

I am therefore confused as to why signs of Cirrohsis are not evident on the Ultrasound. I am due blood tests in 4 weeks time, not had them done since December.

Any knowledge from fellow sufferers greatly appreciated 😘

[AyrshireK]

It's entirely possible that your fibroscan gave an inaccurate and inflated reading. Fibroscan can not tell the difference between ongoing liver inflammation (as is probably what was indicated in you deranged liver bloods) and actual fibrosis.

Fibroscan has to be taken in conjunction with blood results - if you inflammation markers were high at the time of your scan then you kPa score is likely to be higher than accurate and therefore you may not at all have cirrhosis.

More investigations needed.

Katie

[Harves3 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks Katie. It has really confused me. I was trying to take it all in in a 6 minute phonecall. I will get to speak to the Consultant in about 4 weeks next when I have had my next bloods so maybe I can ask her then. She just seems adamant that I have Cirrohsis as my score was 29. I thpught that scarring would show on the ultrasound in that case but now im unclear. Thanks for your reply x

[MINTVCX]

The question is if some factors like alcohol, fatty liver or diagnosis of other diseases like HCV, HBV, hemochromatosis etc have been found. If yes, then your fibroscan is more likely to be true (but even then is not 100% sure).

Please keep in mind that genarally fibroscan is better to see cirrhosis than ultrousound. But if both tests indicate cirrhosis then of course is more likely to be true than if one of them.

More investigations needed for sure. Good luck

[Ruggerhead]

OK, My experience is quite similar, I was dismissed from hospital with my Liver looking A1, that was on MRI, liver ultrasound and bloods (apart from raised liver enzymes) So my consultant sent me for a Fibrascan and it was the only scan that showed the damage. I have had a few now and they still show the same. I was told by my liver consultant (very well respected) that quite often all other scans, bloods etc do not pick up Liver diseases. Your bloods can be normal and you can still have severe liver disease. But the others are right, Fribrascan's are also not infallible especially if you are overweight, get a high reading from a rib hit, or the operator is not experienced. But it is preferred over a biopsy due to its cost and in invasive nature. But you would not be the first person to come on this site with a high KPA then a month later it has dropped significantly, so you might do another at some stage just to compare. Nothing in this field is 100%. How is your LFT's any sign of damage there, any acute inflammation would tend to raise figures, as would non fasting, eating before your scan, coffee etc.

[craftylearner]

The same thing has happened to me in the last few months. Blood tests showed a problem, fibroscan done and consultant diagnosed Cirrhosis. Then I had an abdominal US and the operator said there were signs of fatty liver - which looked the same as it did 6 years ago when scanned. I am seeing consultant again tomorrow, so hopefully will get some clarification. I will pass on anything I think may be relevant to you.

[DottyDom]

I too have had a similar experience, with being diagnosed with cirrhosis due to high kPA after a Fibroscan in Dec 2020. After a complete lifestyle change, my last ultrasound which was a year ago, showed mild fatty liver, no enlargement of the liver and no sign of portal hypertension. I met with my consultant for the first time two weeks ago and had my bloods all done prior to this and he said that they are all very good - as they were last April and again in September. So I was very disappointed when he refused to book me in for another fibroscan, since that is what my original diagnosis was based on.

I have now booked an appointment for a private fibroscan at the end of this month, just for my own peace of mind and clarity, and am also going to discuss options with my GP.

Good luck!

[KC108]

What is the iqr med. of the fibroscan test? It should be under 30% for a valid test.