Fibroscan significance

[Amy190]

Hi all , could you tell me the meaning and significance of the IQR and IQR percentage on fibroscan please.

My IQR was 1.2

And IQR % was 6%

My scores are high and awaiting a biopsy ( kpa 20.5 and cap 400) I just don’t know what the above means. If anyone could kindly explain please

Thank you

Amy

[nash2 Partner]

Sure, IQR means inter-quartile range. The take 10 readings and the scores have a range. They divide that into 4 sections and drop to two outside then calculate what percent of the total range is included in that center section. A low value means that the measurements are similar and probably accurate. There is some disagreement over what a maximum acceptable range is but many docs will say 20%. Higher than that you begin to wonder about measurement or operator error.Wayne

[Amy190 in reply to nash2]

Thank you, that’s interesting - according to my IQR the results are probably correct, however my hepatologist is pretty sure my high score is overestimated due to severe steatosis and/or liver congestion so It makes you wonder , still currently awaiting a biopsy appointment

[nash2 Partner in reply to Amy190]

It is a valid question. A cap of 400 is as high as the machine will score so it suggests that additional information is needed to define your status and inflammation can raise the stiffness by itself so the next step for most docs would be a biopsy.

[Amy190 in reply to nash2]

Yeah, I’m just waiting on a date it’s been 6 weeks since it was requested urgently on the NHS, so I think I will chase up if I don’t hear within a week. I’m not really keen on having the biopsy to be honest...

Yes he said the cap of 400 shows a significant amount of fat in the liver.

My liver panels, lipid panel and all other bloods like platelets and ferritin all entirely normal. I also had a normal liver ultrasound in August 2020 other then fatty liver it was smooth in outline, normal echotexture, with no lesions.

So I’m not massively anxious about cirrhosis, I’m just trying to lose weight and be healthy and undo any damage I can or at least stop it getting worse.

Hopefully it’s just severe steatosis and this is the wake up call I needed