Fibroscan Update

[sarah430]

I finally had my Fibroscan on Tuesday. I haven't seen an official report with the actual numbers but the PA who did the scan said it looked pretty good and I'm an F0-F1. So I feel pretty good about that. To backtrack - this all started with an ultrasound in March that shows I have fatty liver but I don't have any risk factors (slim, eat well, exercise) and all the blood tests are normal. I have my actual followup with the hepotologist in a week and a half (telephone appointment). My main questions will be is the amount of fat in my liver normal for someone of my age/weight etc. and what can I do to manage it so it doesn't get worse aside from what I'm already doing. Anything else I should be inquiring about?

[nash2 Partner]

Hi Sarah, the Fibroscan should have also given you a CAP score which is a measure of the fat content. An F0-F1 speaks to stiffness caused by scaring. You want to understand both aspects of the test. It sounds like you are in a favorable situation but if you have any scaring, as a thin person, your risk of progression could be higher so be sure the doc isn't considering you as a "lean NASH" candidate.Wayne

[Dynomike in reply to nash2]

Hello Nash 2,

I had taken a Fibroscan test with a KPA score of 2.5 which I was informed was good. The GI said they did not receive any CAP score . The GI office informed to call the radiologist to get that information. I called the radiology location I tested at and they said they did not have the CAP score . Just curious if the GI doctor has to order the CAP as a add on for the test? Or is it standard procedure to get both KPA & CAP test results when taking a Fibroscan ?

I feel like I’m getting the run around. I’m going to call the GI back and have them order another test so I can get a CAP score . Please share your thoughts on this. Thank you

[nash2 Partner in reply to Dynomike]

Hi Mike

Apparently that doc has one of the early versions of the FibroScan. The first generation didn't have CAP. Most of those have been upgraded so we don't see a lot of reports with just kPa anymore. Sorry to have confused the issue.

Wayne

[sarah430 in reply to nash2]

Wayne -- Normally Kaiser loads the results of tests in the online health record, but I haven't seen it yet. I'll ask the dr when I talk with her week after next. For instance I can read the radiologist report for my ultrasound and HIDA scan I had for my gallbladder. But nothing for my Fibroscan. It was a PA that did it and he told me it looked good and gave me the F0-F1 result, but I'm assuming a radiologist will read it too???? Thanks for the information! I wouldn't have known to ask about the CAP otherwise.

[nash2 Partner in reply to sarah430]

Hi Sarah, see the note to Mike above. Could be an older machine at Kaiser as well.

[sarah430 in reply to nash2]

Thanks for your quick reply Wayne!

[sarah430 in reply to nash2]

These are my full Fibroscan readings. From what I can tell they look pretty good. My appt with the hematologist is in a week to discuss.

Fibroscan score: 2.4 kPa.

Study was adequate. Stiffness 2.4

Stage 0-1.

IQR /MED: 27 %

Valid Measurements: 18

CAP score: 197

Probe: M

[nash2 Partner in reply to sarah430]

Those are quite good. Wish I had them. Good for you, all the best wishes

[ladyellyn]

Wow this is exactly what I have going on. Ongoing pain in lower abdomen for weeks Dr. sent me for CT scan no sign of any issues except now they say I have fatty liver. Dr. says nothing just you have fatty liver. I got on this site and freaked out when I saw what fatty liver was. Went back to Dr. insisted on blood work. Now she says my liver blood work is fine. I am flummoxed as to what to do so might do the Fibro scan. No direction on diet or anything from Dr. I have lost 12 lbs. still 30 lbs. over my preferred weight. Non smoker no alcohol going on 35 years.

[ladyellyn]

Did your dr. order a fibro scan?

[sarah430 in reply to ladyellyn]

My primary referred me to a hepatologist who (reluctantly) ordered the Fibroscan. I have a follow up with the hepatologist week after next. At my initial appointment (video visit) she did not seem that concerned but in a dismissive rather than reassuring way.

[ladyellyn in reply to sarah430]

It is so crazy they don't know enough to help us move forward for a solution.

[ladyellyn in reply to ladyellyn]

No Dr. did nothing just stated you have fatty liver she read it off the CT report. Nothing more no diet recommends nothing.