Ultrasound elastography
Mayo Clinic Healthcare uses 2D shear wave elastography to measure the stiffness of tissue. The test is done using a standard ultrasound machine with the transducer on a special setting. It is a completely noninvasive procedure that takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Elastography can estimate stiffness in organs and in tumours. An increased stiffness in an organ, such as the liver, may indicate early changes like fibrosis, which can lead to cirrhosis if not addressed. Often, the liver may look typical on standard imaging, but elastography can provide additional information.
You may be referred for liver elastography if you have:
- Signs of fatty liver on ultrasound or MRI.
- Poor liver function.
- Chronic hepatitis B or C.
- Diabetes.
- High alcohol intake.
How do I prepare for ultrasound elastography?
Eating affects the blood flow in the liver and the liver stiffness, so you will be asked to fast for six hours before your elastography scan.
You also will need to avoid wearing lotion or creams on your skin the day of your appointment, as they can interfere with the scan.
What happens during ultrasound elastography?
During the scan, a sonographer will move a wand, called a transducer, between your ribs on the right side of the abdomen. You may be asked to hold your breath or keep your breathing shallow for a few seconds during the scan. It is a very sensitive measurement, so it is important to keep still and not talk.
What happens after the scan?
The results of the elastography scan will be shared with one of our radiologists and a report sent back to your doctor. If the liver stiffness is elevated slightly, a repeat scan in a few months may be recommended. If the stiffness is very elevated, then further testing and imaging will be required to confirm the findings.
How long does it take to get the results from an ultrasound?
At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, you should generally receive your results within 48 hours.
Book an appointment
If you need accurate ultrasound elastography of an internal organ, such as liver, with quick results, request an appointment at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London online or call us at +44 (0) 207 871 2575.