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Liver Elastography (Shear Wave Elastography)

Shear wave elastography is a cutting-edge diagnostic method that accurately identifies various changes and abnormalities in liver function and structure. This method is as easy to perform as an ultrasound and nearly as informative as a biopsy.

Liver elastography is a safe and painless procedure that detects structural liver changes in early stages, helping to prevent cirrhosis. Its main purpose is to assess the extent to which healthy liver tissue has been replaced by fibrotic tissue. The diagnostic value of elastography is comparable to a biopsy. Previously, this information could only be obtained via a biopsy, which involved tissue sampling for histological analysis — a more invasive and uncomfortable process requiring hospitalization and special preparation.

To avoid surgical intervention and its complications, it's vital to detect liver pathology early — when fibrosis is still reversible. Elastography offers an effective, non-invasive way to do this.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Many patients wonder how the procedure works. It closely resembles an ultrasound, lasting just 15–20 minutes. The results are calculated automatically and provided immediately. Unlike a standard ultrasound that measures tissue density, elastography identifies areas in the liver with increased stiffness — a sign of fibrosis.

Timely diagnosis using liver elastography makes it possible to detect liver abnormalities at early stages.

The liver is the body’s natural filter. Bad habits, alcohol, poor diet, and excessive medication use all negatively impact liver health. In early stages, liver diseases can be hard to detect. Therefore, healthy individuals over 35 are advised to undergo elastography once a year as a preventive measure. If you have chronic liver conditions or work in a toxic environment, regular screening is essential — even in the absence of symptoms.

When liver tissue is damaged, it gradually begins to die and is replaced by connective (scar) tissue — a process called fibrosis. Initially, this process is reversible, but if untreated, it can progress to cirrhosis, at which point the liver can no longer function properly. At that stage, only a liver transplant may be effective — a costly and high-risk procedure.

Fibrosis can result from viral or toxic hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cholangitis, cholestasis, or cirrhosis.

How to Prepare for Liver Elastography:

To ensure accurate results, proper preparation is essential:

Do not eat for at least 5 hours before the procedure.
Avoid foods that cause gas: milk, legumes, tomatoes, cabbage, baked goods, carbonated drinks, and sweets.
If you're taking prescribed medication, continue as usual unless your doctor advises otherwise.