What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of soft tissues and organs inside the body. It is safe, pain-free and does not expose the patient to radiation.  Ultrasound is used to visualize a wide range of internal organs, including the heart, liver, kidneys, bladder, uterus, ovaries, and thyroid, as well as blood vessels and muscles.

Liver Elastography

Globally, liver cirrhosis has increased by 20% in the last 10 years.  Many people are at risk of developing liver disease, however patients usually show no symptoms until the vary late stages of disease.   Your provider may order elastography if you have risk factors, signs or symptoms of cirrhosis.

Ultrasound is a non-invasive test to check your liver for fibrosis, which happens in the early stages and may advance to late stage or cirrhosis of your liver if not detected and treated.  Fibrosis can lower the amount of blood flow that goes through your liver, causing the blood to back up behind your liver over time. If left untreated, liver fibrosis can result in serious health problems.

Liver elastography can help healthcare providers make treatment recommendations for liver fibrosis. They can also use this test to monitor your liver’s response to treatment and predict liver disease complications like fatty buildup.

What to expect before, during and after the examination?

Before the exam:

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily removed or adjusted, as you may need to expose the area being examined.  Depending on the type of ultrasound, you may be instructed to avoid eating or drinking for a certain period beforehand, or to drink a specific amount of water to ensure your bladder is full.  Your doctor or the ultrasound technician will provide specific instructions based on your individual needs.

During the exam:

You will lie on an exam table, typically face-up, but may be asked to turn to the side or adjust your position to get the best images.  A warm, water-based gel will be applied to your skin to facilitate the transmission of sound waves.  The technician will move the transducer, a small handheld device, over the gel-covered area, applying gentle pressure to capture images.  The images will be displayed on a monitor, and the technician may take measurements or notes while the scan is in progress.  If your doctor is assessing blood flow, you may hear a whooshing sound from the Doppler probe.  An ultrasound scan typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, though it can vary depending on the area being examined.

After the exam:

There are usually no restrictions on your diet or activities after an ultrasound, unless your doctor advises otherwise.  The images will be reviewed by a radiologist and provided to your doctor within 24 to 48 hours.