Shear-Wave Elastography ultrasound

[iagra]

I live in the US and do Shear-Wave Elastography ultrasound that checks liver fibrosis (scarring) and determines the PBC stage, every year. I did it for the past 7 years. However, my new gastro doctor suggested to do SW Elastography every other year, but, the abdominal ultrasound every year, to determine if the liver is not enlarged and healthy in other respects.

How often are you recommended to do SW Elastography or a similar ultrasound test to determine the stage?

Thanks!

[boneytoys]

I had a liver biopsy on diagnosis and was staged at 3. That was 2009

So 15 years ago. I am yearly physically examined liver palpated but that’s it. Given the URSO medication is successful ( best we have) and assuming you’re well, I don’t see the point in the ultrasound as a progress report . It will only scare you if you are told the disease is progressing. Or your liver is enlarged . It is what it is!what can you do about it except relook at your life style choices - that’s about it! If your blood work is elevated and you’re not well sure but otherwise I’d be just getting on with life. That’s me!! I might be out of line here . There are other aspects of PBC that need watching don’t forget. Good luck with your journey

Take care

[iagra in reply to boneytoys]

Thanks so much! This is a wonderful reply. I am getting tired of constant tests and need a break from thinking about PBC. I'll take your advice and will do less testing. You are right, every time I do labs or ultrasound, I am completely stressed out while waiting for the results. Thanks so much for writing! Stay well!

[Candy12]

I am in the UK but I have sheer wave elastography , but over 14 years I’ve only ever had it done twice. With very little change so iam never in a hurry for one. I only get one if I ask the consultant, she says she doesn’t need it to know my disease is stable.

I do get a the standard ultrasound annually, with 6 monthly bloods.

( my bloods are all normal range now since adding Bezafibrate , but, I find it comforting knowing that they remain that way, so I don’t mind those testing routines.

Having the ultrasound has alerted the consultant to other issues so again I find it helpful for early detection of any other changes. It picked up a cyst on the kidney that needed further investigation and she now monitors this as well as my gall stones and PBC. So I think it’s worth the effort once a year.

[iagra in reply to Candy12]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your input! All the best to you!

[Ellyne]

I am getting a SW for the first time in a few months. I get a MRSP once a year. I was diagnosed in 2018 and numbers are all within range. My dr is not a big fan of Fibroscan because the numbers fluctuate depending upon the technician. We are following the protocols for monitoring based on early stage of PBC.

[iagra in reply to Ellyne]

Thanks, Ellyne. I appreciate your input. What is the protocol for the early stage of PBC? You mean the frequency of bloodwork and ultrasounds? I'm sorry I'm not familiar with the terms SW and MRSP. What do they stand for?

[Ellyne]

SW is shear wave elastography and MRSP is a MRI of the abdomen. The protocol is exactly what you said. Frequency of blood work etc...

[iagra in reply to Ellyne]

Thank you so much!