Fibroscan

[hepfoe]

I would like to know if Fibroscan is consistent with C-T scan for cirrhosis and if it is available anywhere in the East Coast USA?

[copyman]

There is a 3rd location on the east coast for the FibroSCAN in Boston. I had mine done there and it was the same result as the FibroSURE and biopsy. I found both tests equal to the biopsy. One thing almost certain with the "fibro" tests is if results indicate cirrhosis or no damage F0 or F4 then these tests can be very accurate. Not that accurate for the middle stages. Keep in mind that a biopsy is not without fault and can be wrong at times especially if it is a single core biopsy. The best test would be a biopsy that takes 3 samples from different parts of the liver with a sample size of at least 20mm each. Unfortunately not many docs will do this type of biopsy. To answer your original question the FibroSCAN is better then a CT scan to asess liver fibrosis. Best of luck

[Bill1954]

A quick overview (from 2006) of the various non-invasive fibrosis tests:

http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/recent/2006/020306_c.html

Bill

[DragonTamer]

I  opted to have the "Fibrospect"  test.  That is what they called my proceedure, which was a simple blood test sent off to California. Got the results in a 2 weeks.  My doc was not all that thrilled with my choice and would have much preferrered I did a good old fashioned biopsy.  My numbers came back "somewhat high" according to them...an 88 for fibrosis...however my doc was not impressed...and said what are they comparing that 88 to????   He really kind of waved off the whole thing.  My liver levels came down and are now perfect, after only my 3rd shot and 5th week on treatment...and my ultrasound showed only miner fatty liver, nothing to be alarmed about or to warrent a biopsy...so I was told.  I want to clear the virus first and then I will worry, if in deed there is anything to worry about, my liver. The only thing that suggested something was off a bit...was that Fibrospect test....which is rather new to the States as Bill said... but again  everyone else, including my doc, said I should not worry, my levels are good and my liver is in good shape and getting better all the time???  

So after all that I guess I don't know what to say! :)  I just wanted to share my experience...I know not many people have done it and it is a personal and tough choice to have or not have a biopsy...But in my opinion a C-T scan (which was not an option for me I guess, I was just offered the biopsy) will certainly give you a more concrete indication of the condition of your liver...more than the test I had. They can actually SEE your liver with an MRI or Cat Scan and get more reliable info with a Biopsy. I just knew I wanted to conquor one demon at a time! And put all my positive energy into that first. And so far it looks like there is only the one! :)

Good luck!
Dragon Tamer

[Bill1954]

Ahem, please replace the phrase ‘Fibrosure’ with Fibroscan in the post above. This is the second time this week I’ve crossed the two terms :o).

Bill

[Bill1954]

As with any new development, Fibrosure has it’s proponents and detractors. It has been approved by the EU for a few years now, and I believe has been used there with some success. As far as I know, it hasn’t received acceptance by the U.S. FDA yet. I believe there is a machine and operator in two locations on the U.S. East coast; one in NY, and another in FL. I don’t have the locations for those; others here have participated in them, and will hopefully chime in with further info.

I don’t have any studies at hand showing concordance with liver biopsy; you will probably find something by Googleing the keywords ‘Fibrosure+HCV+biopsy.


Good luck, and hopefully someone more informed will be along shortly to help you out.

Best of luck—

Bill